noob wa handle question

[tgraypots]

Having more time than money these days, I want to replace a wa handle myself, and am wondering whether the ferrule, like buffalo horn atop ho wood, serves a purpose? Is it there just because it looks neat, or does it keep the wood from splitting? If the latter, does the handle have to fit inside the ferrule?
Thanks-Tom

 

[Rottman]

On traditional Japanese knives the ferrule is just a ring of horn around the top of the handle and is there to prevent the wood from splitting. The tang is inserted into the wood.