I was actually taking the possible mass variables into account when making my estimates. I figure the alternate materials can't be that much heavier than steel otherwise they wouldn't make very good weapons. What's the point of having an ultra sharp weapon if the wielder has to be TEH AHNOLD to use it effectively?

And I'm going to say no on the balance thing, or that it has minimal effect. Mainly because I'm fairly certain that lizards don't rely on their tails for balance as much as swimming. When comparing a lizard's tail to a cat's or dog's or most other tailed animals for that matter, it's not nearly as... pliable? Maneuverable? It pretty much just moves from side to side unlike mammal tails which move all different directions. Plus, he still has most of it. Just the tip is gone. And thank you! I do love my extravagant action scenes. 

No I haven't heard of those techniques. I just started digging deeper into the history of martial combat recently. But I'll look them up. I actually watched a few videos on scimitar techniques to get an idea of how the Alikir might be fighting as well.