Let's build a Kensai

[Wasum]

No - thats not right - spell combat is for fullattacks only.

But I still dont see any advantages in building a single blow Magus build:P

[Chengar Qordath]

Yeah, spell combat specifies in it's description that it is it's own specific type of full-round action. Spellstrike has another, different set of rules that governs how it works

As single-blow builds, It is handy for when you need to move + attack. Depending on the GM and enemies you're facing, it's not exactly uncommon to have battles where you don't get to make a full-attack most turns.

[Highglander]

Quote:

But I still dont see any advantages in building a single blow Magus build:P

Defeat higher CR, sky high AC, or concealed opponents thanks to true strike and an earth shattering blow.

Not being dependent of a full round attack, not having to use a mounted charge (or any charge for that matter).
Dispatching lesser opponents through attacks of opportunity.

Spellcombat and spellstrike aren't the only way to achieve single blow builds however, they just give more options.

[Paladin of Baha-who?]

spellstrike = standard action cast and then free action strike.
Spell combat = full attack, cast and strike then strike, or strike then cast and strike.

DEX magi can do single-blow combat as well, and when there's no opportunity for a full attack it's by no means a bad idea, it's just that they'll either need to use a light weapon for piranha strike, or put enough points into STR to gain power attack, in order to do as much damage as a similar STR magus.

For kensai, I'd prefer a dex magus myself, because of AC. Traditional or bladebound magi would seem to work better for STR magi. However, AC may not be so very important if you kill the thing before it can hit you!

[Abrir]

what happens when someone have multi-class dervish bard and gained their bonded weapon(separate or same katana as the black blade), which allows you to use it as if it for an empty hand for casting?

"Arcane Bond (Ex): At 5th level, an arcane duelist gains the arcane bond ability as a wizard, using a weapon as his bonded item, allowing him to cast any one addition spell that he knows once per day. He may not choose a familiar or other type of bonded item. ->He may use the hand holding his bonded weapon for somatic components<-. This ability replaces lore master."

could he/she duel wield the black blade and bonded weapon while doing spell combat/spell strike or just have the option to do spell strike or could only duel wield taking no advantage of either spell combat/ spellstrike or just TWF with both katanas?(finnessable through a single swashbuckler level+feat[slashing grace])

opinion and possibilities?
Thank you