He might look better but not the best choice since a katana's damage is based on the wielder's magic power rather than strength. That is why I made katana my secondary weapon choice for Fran, though I have yet to use them.
I wonder why someone would say bows are bad for Fran? I was under the impression that she was one of the faster characters in the game, thus making bows more suitable since their damage has a basis in speed. I know they have poor accuracy, but still they are a fast weapon.