I don't believe there is any benefit other than a physical/safety one. I have never felt the need, but I have only a small tree. I have heard that some are thornier than others, and there may even be a cultivar without thorns(?) though I can't recall where I read that.
FWIW I have a honey locust tree in my yard that I think is pretty and reminds me of BRT... but the thorns are not to be messed with. As a small tree the thorns are mostly annoying, but as a large tree thorns project from adult bark, and if you cut them off, they will regrow. I know this is a complete derail of the thread - to talk about a different species entirely
Maybe we should start a thorny bonsai thread
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