I experience similar situations from the delayed kicking while using superior Japanese steel.
Dodge+swinging doesn't work with short weapons as a counter to kicking anymore, you'll get ghost kicked or glance trying to avoid it.
It isn't as effective, but when someone tries to kick you take a step back and upswing at their foot. At least you're doing damage and you can double-hit with a right swing or a stab if you use good footwork.
Another tactic is to use a chamber-kick approach, just look for the kick and when it comes spam e.