1. Not two-handed, cheap to make, faster attacks, can be thrown.

2. Two biomes harder by difficulty, has less HP, have no damage resistances. All enemies have infinite stamina, but Wolves are also fast, so its hard to lose them.

3. Blunt weapons and all two-handed weapons have knockback. Halberd-like weapons in particular have an alternative attack which is large AoE with strong knockback.

4. Utterly false. Your attack can stagger enemies with enough damage, which interrupts their attacks. Succesful parry with a parry-capable weapon or shield guarantees stagger, which also interrupts their attack.

5. They don't unless provoked by Greydwarfs.

6. They spawn way beofre that and are attracted by noise. Mine during the day and sleep at night.

7. You can.