Weapon in 'off hand' was used to attack plenty in Europe as well, and if the "extra weapon" is used to attack more, then "main" one naturally becomes shields substitute then. Used for parrying, controlling opposing weapon and clearing the way to attack.



The main problem with the 'realistically" and "3.5" in one sentence is that "two times more attacks" doesn't really correspond with human body mechanics to well.

One cannot just swing around two times more effectively just because he's holding two stick instead one.