Double Weapon in one hand?

[Angellis_ater]

One of my players asked me if his character could use a double weapon and a shield, to which my answer was "naturally, no". However, he enquired if it was possible to use only one side of a double weapon (the primary) and something else in the other hand, to which I was a little more stumped. I still said no, but now this question has been bugging me. Any FAQ or something anyone can refer me to?

 

[Shin Okada]

Adventurer's Vault P.10 says,

Wielding a double weapon is like wielding a weapon in each hand.

That is the only description how a double weapon could be used. So, a character must use it as written, like wielding a weapon in each hand. As he is like wielding a weapon in each hand, both of his hands are already used for wielding something. Thus, he cannot wield a shield.

 

[OpsKT]

Pretty much what he said above. By the rules anyway.

Now, if you wanted to allow it for visual flair (I could see a Valenar Elf in Eberron doing that with a double scimitar, as an opening charge, then discarding the shield when he finally dismounts and going two hand style), I would allow it but rule that the double weapon loses the defensive property when used one handed.