This is just a theory based on biomechanics (part of what I do in my day job) and I am sure that there are symbolic meanings for the angle as well but here goes:
if you look at a fencing foil (it is probably the best example of a thrusting weapon still in use) you will find that the hilt is generally slightly angled as well, I cannot remember the angle but it is not great perhaps 15 degrees downwards. This angle allows the wrist to sit in a position where thumb, wrist and forearm form a straight line when the blade is pointing directly forwards (horizontal to the ground). Hence in a thrust/lunge you have the wrist in the most stable position at impact transferring the load up the forearm rather than through the wrist, you gain a couple of centimetres in elongation and you hit with the point directly forwards. The angle also allows you to have a handle/hilt that sits well in the palm or in the case of a foil allows you to use a pistol grip. Please feel free to pull this theory apart.
cheers
DrD
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