Possible solution -
Enhance length so it is wielded two-handed with unique swing animation. The melee-swing animation could be a standing/running, behind-the-back wind-up, and swings in a horizontal half-circle directly ahead, as if it were used in real life when attempting to strike a pitched baseball.
If timed/spaced correctly, could also be used to strike bombs or other lightweight items, and send them flying absurd distances. Basically like the hammer physics.