Got a Real World Weapons or Armour Question? Mk X

[Yora]

Regarding the original question: I think the reason to give bastard sword stats to the katana was "It's larger than a one handed sword, but smaller than the two-handed swords usually seen in western fantasy." That's probably all there is to it.
Also, while the katana is a two-handed sword, it is possible to use it with only one hand. There were even a few swordsmen said to fight with one in each hand. And it is a common misconception that "one and a half sword" means a sword that can be used with either one or two hands, resulting in the term bastard sword.

Another question: Is there any military use of the trident? I only know it from roman gladiators and they were using equipment puposly designed to be impractical to keep things interesting.
Also poseidon had a trident, but there's lots of gods who are actually holding tools rather than weapons.