Jim,
Overall a nice design IMHO.
I typically prefer more pommel flair in place of a sub-hilt. The pommel flair usually prevents slippage during hard cuts (for me anyway) and doesn't cause the grip problems that the sub-hilt does (as you addressed). I like your idea of sweeping the bottom guard away from the sub-hilt though since it might eliminate the problem. I guess I'd have to handle one of these to see if I'd be comfortable with this sub-hilt design.
Regardless of wether or not you include a sub-hilt, I'd still like a more flaired pommel to add more substance for punyos/pommel strikes.
I use my live/off hand to support my weapon hand/wrist instead of the weapon itself, but with a double edged blade I DEFINITELY like your top guard concept
... just incase my live/off hand slips
Finally, you might want to consider stopping the bottom grind a little forward of the guard. First, with the front swept guard, I don't think the last part of the bottom edge would be useable. Second, since the guard is intended to block/catch the other person's weapon, it would be good to have the last part be the full stock. It would be stronger and won't chip like a cutting edge would. I'd stop it right where the top edge meets the top guard.
Again, a nice over all design. The only things I'd change from a visual evaluation would be: a more substantial pommel and stop the bottom grind forward of the guard. JMHO.
Respectfully,
Dave Fulton.
