While "Attack occasionaly varies with defense" is a strange effect on this axe it should be noted that its base damage isn't far from Farsha and Guttler at level 95 and is higher then the base damage of Astolfo while retaining a solid STR boost. This axe may not be as lame as it first appears to be depending how difficult it is to obtain. Also the "Attack occasionaly varies with defense" is still more damage even though not through the most desired stat.
With the base defense on the armor from Yorcia Wield Skirmish, does anyone have samples of this thing's output? Combining that sheer base defense, with Protect V, and of course a good Hardened Shell, it'd no doubt put a great boost on this weapon.
Could be a very Ideal weapon for WAR tanking or solo work if your dumping a lot of gear into defense. Allowing you to keep a higher rate of damage while defender is up.