So I've been using the block hammer since intimidating aura was changed and never touched balanced

And oh my lord with the buff this thing clears swarms like no one's business. The cleave and damage it has now makes each hit especially charged almost like an adrenaline surge explosion. I think in most cases this is just a better fencing weapon if you get use to the timing.

Plus with block hammer you can't really get much use out of adrenaline surge unless you use Aftershock which limits you imo especially since while you're charging it up you can get staggered.

The main reason to use block was the stun adrenaline surge gives and the 2 second damage buff while having the highest base damage but now it's speed is nerfed and it no longer has the highest base damage meaning without surge it falls behind.

That being said the big boom is still an amazing dopamine hit lol.