Split in rat tail tang?

[naloxone]

I picked up a laminated blade with a tail tang to try my hand at making a handle.

In handling it I noticed the tang has a split in it. To my untrained eye it looks like the steel folds did not blend. I can catch the edges on my fingernail and there are splits along the top and side.

Should I be concerned about the durability of such a tang or is it not a big deal for a light to moderate use knife? Thanks for any wisdom you can share.

Pic

PXL 20260503 224718425 hosted at ImgBB

Image PXL 20260503 224718425 hosted on ImgBB

ibb.co

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I wouldn't worry about it. It is probably and aftifact of the tang being forged out from the wider stock.