Double-Ended Weapons Rules Interpretation (1.4.6.2)

[Akroth]

Not actually building a double-ended weapon, but just out of general curiosity:

1.4.6.2. Double-ended Weapons must have a minimum of 18 inches in length of padding covering each end in a cylindrical fashion. Both striking surfaces of this weapon must follow Class 3 Weapon standards for a Double-ended Weapon to be legal.

I have always interpreted this to mean 18 inches of striking surface, however the rule isn't entirely clear; Can haft padding be counted toward the 18 inches of cylindrical padding covering each end?

If so, is there a minimum size required for the striking surface, beyond the rules outlined in 1.3.3?

1.3.3. Two and one-half inch rule-No surface on a striking edge (sword tip, arrow head, spear head, javelin head, etc.) whether designed for stabbing or not, may readily pass more than 0.5 inch through a 2.5 inch hole; swords with a semicircular tip, with a minimum 1.5 inch radius are exempt from this rule. See Appendix A,

[Cyric]

it's 18 inches of striking surface. there is no minimum besides the rule you quoted, although trying to make a striking surface too narrow will probably make the weapon hit too hard and fail.