So essentially a remodelled longsword.
I guess. But I would miss the style and feel of the weapon, the disadvantage in length is one of the more fun parts about the weapon...
I've spent my entire cRPG time being a katana wielder(I got 4 characters that use it) and I wouldn't want to see it turned in to just another longsword/heavy bastard/two handed sword carbon copy.
Making something the same as something else creates good balance, but not interesting gameplay.