Handle is hidden tang style and is pinned on with brass pins, it will not move or fall off- ever. Total weight is 3.8 pounds. Balance point is one inch in front of guard. It's a powerful sword.
Unknown to the average sword enthusiast is the fact that the more steel is folded the weaker a blade is. I do not want a weak blade but I love the Damascus pattern. You'll love the quality and you won't find another sword made like this!