You know, i did read your original post just now. i will say this.
1.) katanas are good swords IRL, and in game at the moment.
2.) game balance takes precedence over any historical accuracy, although a longsword and a katana have a similar function, irl, and in the game... dueling weapons that can be used 1h/2h without heavy penalties. longsword is slower/longer, katana is faster/shorter.
also...
Longsword 5123 weight 1.8 -----> pretty well balanced duel weapon... european staple weapon of knights.
requirement 9
spd rtng 98
weapon length 106
swing damage 36, cut
thrust damage 25 pierce
Secondary Mode
Katana 8212 weight 1.25 ---------> a little op, but offset by its pricetag... and yes, its a weapon worthy of honor/recognition.
requirement 9
spd rtng 102
weapon length 95
swing damage 35, cut
thrust damage 18 pierce
Heavy Great Sword 9001 weight 2.75 --------> the next step up. considering good speed of the former, katana is better.
requirement 13
spd rtng 94
weapon length 120
swing damage 39, cut
thrust damage 25 pierce
Can't use on horseback
3.) yes, but just because they are japanese doesn't mean they should be OP... and let me say why. based on not only your first posts, but your posts and others you agree with this is primarily about one thing...
your preference for eastern weapons.
you are biased, like some others, that they are the best swords ever. any sword with similar properties to a katana, curved or non curved... will cut a man in half, considering the man is not armored... which would mean REALISTICALLY, neither a cruciform sword or a katana would do ANY DAMAGE AT ALL AGAINST CHAINMAIL. that would suck in game, yes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxYvwEnKRjAthis talks about the swords being different for different purposes. the larger the sword, (european), the better at bashing.
the larger the sword (japanese) the better for slashing. different worlds, different armor, different technique, different physique.
Both are good. they have purposes different IN GAME, AND IN REAL LIFE!
thats my piece, peace.