Do you think the Bat'leth is a practical weapon?

You won't parry a bastard sword with a bat'leth. The bastard sword weighs significantly less and has very different weight distribution. There's a huge speed advantage against a 12 pound bat'leth. You'll be poked full of holes while trying to parry.

As for the hammer comparison, the bat'leth is a heavy weapon. In fact heavier than your average real life melee weapon. However the weight distribution is an issue. It's a symmetrical weapon. The point of balance and most of the weight is in the middle. Compared to a hammer, axe or mace that's a huge disadvantage. It takes much more strength and energy to do a swing like that with a bat'leth than it does with those weapons. It will also do significantly less damage. Also it isn't a blunt weapon like a hammer. I have my doubts that you will pierce armor with it.

/r/startrek Thread Parent