They get used, they're actually pretty tough, you would have to smash the blade repeatedly on a steel pipe to ruin it, you could chop several small trees with it, and only require mild sharpening if at all. The people who just keep them for decoration do so out of appreciation for the workmanship involved, at least I hope. To be honest, the weapon is not what is impressive, it's the tradition and the process of making one that appeals to me, that kind of tradition should be preserved, it produces something pure.