I too have been busy backtraining and for the sake of my sanity, I decided to add in a couple of weapons while I work on my light chain, disarm, lockpicking & multi opponent back training with frostweavers.

Since I've seen a few people bashing this fine weapon here - just thought I'd post my thoughts.

Just this past weekend I broke through to the adept skill level with halberds and am almost there now with two handed edge (10 ranks away). I have not seen a better halberd readily available for sale - and the player made stuff doesn't have the same appeal to me as it lacks the impact of the lochaber axe.

For two handed edge, I use my own forged bastie (64 stones, l/s/f f/r).

As for damage comparisons - the halberd consistently knocks opponents to the ground - which leads to lots of quick kills. My bastie rarely does this. Overall my experience with the lochaber axe has been such that I can see myself continuing to use this weapon until it surpasses my primary weapon - which is over 160 ranks ahead of my current halberd skill. Not to mention that I can overhunt with the axe - for example I can hunt adan'f mages at this skill level.

As for parrying with the axe - the only time I've had to repair the axe was after I died and departed. Never had to repair it once from combat. That may change once I get back to hunting adan'f warriors - but I prepared myself by picking up a few extras.

As for carrying the axe - I use the weapon strap sold in Shard.

Vagle

PS - I really wish they would remove the whole "You died so your worn bows and weapons should face the chance of being destroyed". It adds nothing to the game and in fact takes away the fun of using rare items like the Battle Bow I love to use.