Some of the new (L) shortblades have fantastic speed and do a lot of damage to the mobs, so if you enjoy knifefighting then keep skilling and look forward to using the big (L) blades later on. 8)
I had noticed that, when I started there were no limited weapons so I just hacked away. I now find using a blade I have already mastered to be far more efficient than using one that gives SIB I know the skills don't go up as fast but what's the hurry, I'm having fun on the way so make it last :)