Another note on Dr. Cognot’s sword: if you have a setting where a proper longsword is “verboten” for your particular social status, such a weapon could act as a concealed version thereof, though you will be at a disadvantage when it comes to hand protection.
On a more serious note, when do you actually want a blade at the hilt for purposes of binding, and when do you not? Something like a Type XX blade might have a very substantial ricasso section with no edge whatsoever. Thus, that section of the blade will be very durable, but you will not get a firm bind there from “edge bite,” either.
…Also, I’m sorry to hear about your sword!