So, out of curiosity, I stabbed into a few thick cardboard targets (the box of a recent acquisition
) with moderate force with my specimen and that at least seems fine. In fact, despite being quite angular, I find that it is actually pretty comfortable to hold. I held it with my thumb and index finger pinching the part near the bolster and my pinky snugly against the pommel. The pommel fits well in the palm of my hand that way and prevents my hand from moving during use.
Perhaps I would experience what you describe if I stabbed it with more force into more durable materials, but I don't want to risk damaging the tip (or my hands, obviously), and I don't have any targets that would be suitable in my home at the moment.
Of course, I can't really comment on the effect of having a shorter grip as I don't have one of that length, so perhaps that would make all the difference.