I don't think it was shortened - the hilt is 7 inches and the blade is 35 inches. 
 
It's balanced at about 6 inches above the guard.  
 
The problem is that it's "sharp" edge is about 4 mm _thick_ and 100% dull. 
 
It does not really look to me as a foil or anything for this manner...
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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