Is there a minimum axe head length or width on the axe portion of a halberd? Also, (unrelated) if you have a cylindrical sword, does the entire circumference of the sword foam count as a cutting edge? If so, doesn't that put flat blade users at a serious disadvantage?

- Kester Tol

The axe head just needs to pass the rules for striking surfaces and you layer up incidental foam along the shaft from your axe had to your handle.

Bats and swords have their differences, but I wouldn't say either has a clear advantage over the other. Bats have all around striking, and swords are more aerodynamic.

For your halberd, I would recommend making the striking surface at least 18" in length. It's not strictly required, but it'll be safer that way.

Muffin got it right about cylindrical swords. Also, flatblades are narrower, and can fit in to smaller gaps (say, between an opponent's sword hand and shield) with greater ease.

Should also mention that your axe head shouldn't be overly big. Aim for no longer than 8" from striking surface to core. Two handed axes that jut out farther have a tendency to fold in the wind and you end up hitting people with the flat. I'm speaking from bad, bad memories.

OK, question: what if the head of the axe is about 8 inches long and juts out about three inches from the core? Also is the top stab portion also a swung portion? I'm concerned about counting hits being counted from a swing by the tip which sticks up vertically 8 inches from the end of the axe head. So we have an 8 inch tip followed by an 8 inch axe head, then incidental foam below that.

Take a pic and post it.

What it sounds like you're saying is that you have a stab tip, incidental padding, axe head, incidental padding then handle. In which case the axe head is your swing striking surface and your stab tip is just your stab. Am I right?

I cant copy and paste images on this forum apparently, so if you want, PM me your email and I can email you the pic.
Thanks

-Kester Tol

You will have to host them and link them to the board. http://imgur.com is a good service.

I can't comment directly on your build without seeing it, but the method of attack determines the type of hit it scores. Essentially, if you swing the weapon, it's a class I/class II hit. If it's thrust, it's class III.