Striking Surface or Weapon Length

[Sir Anastasia]

This came up in a previous rules question recently and I did not understand the answers given there.

1.4.1.5. The minimum overall length of a Class 1 is 12 inches plus the length of the handle and pommel.

I have always interpreted this to mean the striking surface of a class 1 weapon must be 12" in length. Accordingly, I had my 12" total length Class I weapon fail at past events for that reason (not 12 + handle and pommel). Was that judgement correct?
My question is: how is this rule interpreted?
Example: Can you have a 2" long striking surface on a Class 1 weapon assuming a successful hit test?

Edit: I think someone else is asking the same question, and I didn't see it, but I'm leaving this here for clarity.

[Derian]

I have always interpreted this to mean the striking surface of a class 1 weapon must be 12" in length.

It's a common misconception, but still incorrect. The rule specifies that the overall length must be (handle + pommel) + 12 inches. Handles are anything that is unpadded, so you need the pommel plus 12 inches of padding. That 12 inches can be made up of any amount of striking surface and haft padding.

Technically by these rules a weapon with 1" striking surface and 11" of haft padding would be legal, though I don't imagine such a weapon would pass a hit test.