I'm thinking about utilizing shadowstep + slashing (hardly use slashing).

Was wondering whats a good pole-ranged slasher to use.

Ye old halberd or a pole-ranged greatsword?
Does weapon balance play a good role? or is it just pure slice damage.
What helps make for the best effective slash?

Just needs some info, thoughts and opinions.

<<Does weapon balance play a good role? or is it just pure slice damage.
What helps make for the best effective slash?>>

As long as a weapon has low/fair slice, then thats all you need in terms of slice. Other than skill, balance is god. So if you wanna do the pole-range thing, try to find something with decent balance.