I'm going to try out another new thing this week:  I've cut my swords down a bit more.  They're now 24" from pommel to point (with an inch or two of thrusting tip at either end).  This makes them the same size as a real wakizashi, slightly shorter than what I was using, and significantly shorter than the norm for SCA heavy.



Why the thrusting tip at both ends?  First, as nearly as I can tell, it is allowable (though I'll ask the marshal at the next practice).  Second, even if it's not permissible, it's (for my own peace of mind) a safety feature:  I'll be fighting in so close that there's a reasonable chance I'll hit someone with the pommel, so I'd want it even if it wasn't a legal striking surface.  Third, I'll be fighting in so close that if it is a legal striking surface, there are some interesting possibilities.



As for historical accuracy...first, a pommel strike to the face probably won't kill you, but will certainly ruin your day, and second, there's anecdotal evidence that the jitte (essentially, a metal baton) could be used to knock someone out even through their armor (think concussion). 



Why the reduction in size?  The style I'm developing has me fighting at very close range, so the extra sword length doesn't do me any good and requires extra work to overcome the inertia.