" Point of Balance: 5 1/4 inches from guard"
I don't know much about swords or nothing, but shouldn't the point of balance be at the point where the guard meets the blade?
( Master Of Turnips. Only gays and morons believe in ghosts., Sat 13 Jun 2009, 18:56, archived)

I really don't know, tbh
There is probably a case for both balance points depending on what type of sword & style you are referring to.
( custard, Sat 13 Jun 2009, 19:03, archived)

might be 5.25 inches towards the pommel
so that you can hold it one handed but add a second hand over it for extra bludgeoning force if needed
( Grrrmachine the indifference engine, Sat 13 Jun 2009, 19:12, archived)