It's risky, and counter intuitive, but a man of small stature or a smart lady might use a wakizashi to DEVASTATING effect as it's shorter and practical in a home where one simply cannot deploy a full oength sword without it catching on something.

That would be like using a Roman gladius as a thrusting weapon, but you close with the interloper to reduce their reach so it's a bold move. Or penetrate under the posterior ribcage to the kidneys causes a massive hemmorhage as well.FAST s the kidney blood pressure is HIGH.