Soft tang, semi-hard tang, fully hardened tang?

[David Stifle]

I have read so many opinions on this topic, but I haven't seen any truly informed opinions. What say you, gentlemen? And, does your opinion, whatever it is, change if it is a sword? what is the best treatment for a tang?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Normally the tang on a knife is the same as the rest of the blade. As the blade gets larger, a softer tang is safer. On large blades and swords, a half hard to soft tang isn't uncommon.

Personally, I harden the whole blade and tang, and then draw the hardness back as needed to shape, tap, and drill as needed.