Since I don't recall seeing this addressed anywhere, I guess I'll take the brunt of the heat first and ask the obvious question that I'm sure MANY have thought about. Here it goes *AHEM*....
Why not make a version of the classic KA-BAR combat knife with a wider tang? I'm sure you guys know that plenty want it so, why not give it a try? Doesn't even have to be a regular production item. Just pump out a 1000 or so and see what kind of feedback you get.