What I began to realize about this weapon is its ability to artificially "poise" through almost any single attack. After playing a few games of pvp (a destroying a Havel Monster with it), I remembered that when you block with a shield you are left unfazed and can attack (unless your guard is broken). Because of this mechanic, with the first R1 primarily, you can block any hit with the right amount of damage and proceed to hit them. For example, in that Havel Monster fight, the guy would go for a hit with the dragon's tooth, but I would shield the hit, losing some extra stamina from the block, and my attack would continue for my full combo. This is all very good said and done but it does have some draw backs: if you don't have enough stamina then your guard will break and they can get a Ripostle, and if you aren't careful with the timing you may be the one being comboed.