Azigarath
said
:
A hardwood stick can crack a skull open, and I have dented my sugar loaf great helm with a rosewood stick of mine. If the staff is a tough wood, such as hickory, ebony or ash, a stave of such wood would be almost impossible to cut through. Even historically, hardwood sticks were used as parrying devices and makeshift shields, even in British India. A softwood like alder, poplar or aspen would probably not last long, though.
Yes, a hardwood stick can crack a skull open. When held in both hands and swung with full force. If you're holding it in your left hand, while focusing on swinging your sword, it becomes much more difficult.
Beneath the gold, the Bitter Steel.