Well,
I guess I'll play the heretic once more
15 years ago, there was no internet as we know it. I had always wanted to forge a sword one day. I had nothing but the library and an old hand cranker that belonged to father in law.
I read and read and read some more. Well, believe it or not, the very first object I had ever forged was a bastard sword. I just cut to the chase. I didn't know any better at the time, because there wasn't anyone to tell me I couldn't.. I must say though that I could not have done it without the tutleage of one of one JPH, via his great book. I hope I made him proud
Anyway, the point is, just do it!
Oh, I still have that old bastard. I chop, cut, experiment with and it still performs, even though it's tip heavy.