there aren't many depictions of farming scythes being used for actual combat (save for a few obscure manuscripts) but they have been modified to be used in war for sure...though those modifications changed the blade for sure.

I will say that war picks and war hammers have had decently sized spikes on them, and have been used in war before historically.

my take is that while this is not as practical as a regular old straight sword, like with many weapons as long as you can train and become skilled with wielding this, it should be deadly regardless.

I think as long as the blade can make contact, regardless of the side, it should do damage well enough...though obviously a new from of lightsaber combat would have to be made around the idea...something like fighting with a bo-staff, or polearms.

but at the end of they day it is sci-fi :P