double ended weapon question

[Yopparai]

My purpose for making a double ended weapon is entirely for the ability to pommel someone after a block with what would otherwise just be a blue sword. What I don't understand is why I would have to put a striking surface of 18" on the pommel side if my handle surface is only 2" bigger than my hand. I understand that there needs to be sufficient striking surface in case of accidents but wouldn't 12" be enough if that is the minimum for blue swords anyway?.

[Kage]

Pommel spikes are not allow for safety reasons for the most part. Most people are afraid there will be more incidents of people being accidently punched in the face. You could make a double ended weapon as small as you like as long as it still meets the requirements to be double ended.

1.4.6. Double-ended Weapons must conform to all of the following:
1.4.6.1. Double-ended Weapons must not be more than 7 feet long.
1.4.6.2. Double-ended Weapons must have a minimum of 18 inches in length of padding covering each end in a cylindrical fashion. Both striking surfaces of this weapon must follow Class 3 Weapon standards for a Double-ended Weapon to be legal.
1.4.6.3. Regardless of length, a Double-ended Weapon is a Class 1 Weapon when swung and Class 3 when thrust.

[Peregrine]

The rule exist, so you can not build a blue sword with a pommel spike, just to clarify, the smallest it could be is 18"+ 18"= 36" + handle?