Combat Expertise & Blocking Weapons

[Thank Dog]

I think this has probably already been asked and answered but all the threads I can find on it are either old or don't address this particular issue. I was hoping for some concrete answers that I can point my group towards to resolve a current question.

Does a blocking weapon's defensive bonus apply when using Combat Expertise, i.e. does using Combat Expertise qualify as "Fighting Defensively"?

[ArmouredMonk13]

Since blocking weapon quality specifies fighting defensively, I'd say no RAW. I'd still allow it, as you are technically fighting defensively in the meaning of the term, you just aren't taking the fight defensive action. Still, I think RAW is no.

[Zhayne]

Fighting Defensively is a specific action you take. Anything else, even if it raises your AC, is not Fighting Defensively.

[Claxon]

RAW answer is absolutely not.

Fighting defensively is a specific type of action as already mentioned. Please note you could fight defensively and use combat expertise at the same time Both provide dodge bonuses to AC and dodge bonuses always stack. Of course, you would have a pretty big penalty to your attacks.