User blog comment:Lord Loss/Discussion of the Week: Sword and Shields/@comment-96.42.26.192-20120516222200

Ahh. The SnS, a staple found in video games everywhere (I mean come on, Link uses what is an SnS combo). Frankly I doubt there are many hunters who haven't even tried SnS. It is a weapon ideal for teaching defense in Monster Hunter. You can learn to block with it, and it is a decent weapon to evade with.

SnS are arguably the best melee weapon to inflict status with (it really is hard to outclass any ranged weapon in the department). I prefer status SnS over status Lances in Tri and lances are my top melee weapon.

SnS also shine in support. After Hunting Horns and ranged weapons, SnS are a viable contender for best supporting weapon. Due to their versitality, they can find openings other weapons cannot, and the ability to use items with your weapon drawn allows an SnS user to support and recover more quickly than a Hunting Horn (at least in MHFU).

Overall, a really well balanced weapon with points that make it stand out from the competition.