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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wyvernhand" data-source="post: 5615078" data-attributes="member: 97681">The Spinning Sword from Secrets of Sarlona is a 1handed sword that functions as a cross between a Spiked Chain and a Rapier. Mechanically speaking, spending a feat on EWP: Spiked Chain is superior is just about every way to taking Short Haft.  EWP only requires a +1 BAB, and doesn't require Weapon Focus.  Short Haft eats up your swift action, which can be very valuable if you are something like a Warblade or make extensive use of the MIC. Also, since you can only use swift actions on your own turn, swapping from reach to non-reach only occurs on your own turn, which isn't very helpful if you are trying to control foes around you. If your focus is shear damage, you are best off simply not taking the feat.  9/10 times, you'll probably be able to take a 5' step back and attack without any problems, and the remaining 10% is not worth spending a feat on.  Keep Armor Spikes on as backup.  Not AS good, but better than dropping a whole feat.  They also help if you get grappled or are put in a few other tight situations. If your focus is control, especially control via the Standstill feat, you'll want EWP: Spiked Chain.  This goes double is you plan on being enlarged at all, as your dead zone doubles.  Armor Spikes just won't put out as much damage as your 2-handed Spiked Chain with all of its primary weapon enhancements.  Since the Standstill DC is damage based, you want to deal as much damage as possible to ensure that the foe doesn't just get around you.  Also, Armor Spikes aren't tripping weapons, so if you are controlling via Improved Trip, they aren't even really an option. So, in conclusion, the best route is to either take EWP: Spiked Chain or take nothing at all and rely on 5' steps most of the time.</blockquote>

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