Right exactly definitely precisely yes i agree.

As someone who picked up a RegTT post-test-team, and as someone who is probably overly-cautious about ensuring that my hand does not slide up onto the blade during thrusting, i wouldn't hesitate to take a full-strength stab with the TT (whose guard is less fortified than the new production Reg) into any material in any weather (save possibly an ice-storm) without a lanyard and with total confidence, even if i were much stronger than i am. It's probably the most secure-feeling, confidence inspiringly over-built handle/guard i have felt (short of the Tsuba on my Katana, maybe). And as a bonus, it won't tear up the meaty part of your hand and pinkie (5th carpal/ metacarpal region) like a metal guard - i have had that happen in my reckless youth - although MUCH preferred to grabbing blade, still an owiee. You would have to stab so hard as to tear the Res-C off the lanyard-tube, and drive the metal lugs at the ricasso through the Res-C all the way down the length of the handle-- Anyway, point being, imho it's totally adequate. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />