Wow is right. those are GREAT pictures! I've never seen or heard of these before (but there on my shopping list now)
Looking at the pictures along with Mark's comment on the one-handed grip, it does look like it's been shortened. Beautiful fit at the hilt scabbard, not so great at the pommel.
As for unsheathing them well that's the nice thing about being CHIEF - you either 1.don't have to or 2. someone does it for you
Dan