Rand, you're absolutely right. It's better to custom make a stand to fit it for particular sword type. And it can be difficult to ensure the correct placement. A while ago Bill Marsh recommended a nice use of neodine magnets:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=magnetic
The same concept can be used for horizontal placement. The magnet can be placed or carved in on the back side of the arm, and covered with strong thin layer of wood, so the magnet would attract the blade from the front/face side. It works so well, but one has to be Very careful with these magnets - they shatter on impact when attracted to each other - VERY Dangerous!!!