Make wakizashi 0 slot, see every archer dropping their handaxe / hatchet and using it.
Hand Axe
weapon length: 48
weight: 1
speed rating: 103
thrust damage: 0 pierce
swing damage: 28 cut
slots: 0
Bonus against Shield
1,010 gold
Wakizashi
weapon length: 70
weight: 1
difficulty: 4
speed rating: 104
thrust damage: 21 pierce
swing damage: 28 cut
slots: 1
7,554 gold
Do you really think 22 length, 1 speed, and a useless stab are *really* worth 6.5k, all the repair costs that come with it (archers naturally have a low 1h wpf due to the bulk of their wpf going into archery), and a bonus against shield? I'll admit that the length sounds substantial, but it's only about the same difference between the Steel Pick and Grosse Messer. I can't tell the difference in speed, honestly, and the stab will only get a Waki user killed with glancing.
Even if it is worth it, as of right now there's not much of a reason not to take the Waki at any time for any playstyle over... oh, say, the Short Falchion.
Short Falchion
weapon length: 61
weight: 1
difficulty: 4
speed rating: 104
thrust damage: 0 pierce
swing damage: 30 cut
slots: 1
1,229 gold
No stab, 9 less length, but hey! There's more cut damage and it's cheaper!