Hi. Sabers with claws are not meant for safe dueling and especially combat which usually kicks up the dueling force. Some claws cannot be removed from their emitters without weakening the retention/screw holes. Those emitters/pommels that can have the claw taken off may have claw retainer pins that will stick out and could be damaged. If your friend is really wanting a saber with claws and I have a few of them in my various collection so I'm a fan... then he could also purchase the emitters that purposefully have the claws and pins removed. Then replace with the clawed version when finished.