User blog comment:XvLIGHTNINGvx/Some minor Skyrim details from Pete Hines/@comment-124.180.5.155-20110914061042/@comment-4317122-20110914105546

So far, the only confirmed details I have read and seen in videos are that you *can not* block while duel wielding but you *can* block while wielding a two handed weapon. So, it would be my *guess* that you can block if you are just using a single short sword or something. As far as torches (which can now be used as weapons), staffs, ect., I couldnt guess. We dont even know if staffs are all one handed now or if there are two handed staffs in the world. There was some mention of a defensive move with bows, though this could be a rumor, and it may not blocking but something else.