Quote Originally Posted by gamegeek2 View Post
Samurai armour was doubtless designed to stop a katana, just looking at the stuff.

From what I know, the daneaxe was most effective when in constant motion, as it's a rather poor defensive weapon. You wouldn't go for a massive swing, though, as that leaves you a sitting duck for a few seconds - all you need.
1) Its designed more for arrows than anything else.
2) Only the torso plate is 'hardened'(metal overlays)
3) Yari is prefered just like every other society. Unless you're a crazy old Yamabushi like Musashi.