@Samurai would the shield be ruled to take the larger half if damage can't split evenly? For example, you block a greataxe with a Hide Shield which normally has a hardness of 4 (treated as 6 against bludgeoning strikes) and the total unmodified (by blocking) damage of the attack is 15 which leaves 11 points. Does the shield take 5 (half rounded-down), or 6 (half rounded-up while you take the remaining half rounded-down to 5)? The former lets shields last a smidge longer, while the latter offers a greater sense of verisimilitude.That's a 4 year old thread.
Nowadays the original problem doesn't exist since you can put Runes even on specific magical shields to increase their hardness and hp.
I think the issue now is one of gp budget.
I have side-eyed shields many times, but I absolutely cannot afford yet another fundamental rune to keep updated. Moreover, this rune cost is compounded with the price of specific unique shields.
Think that niche on-level shield actually matches your PC's style/build? Well, not only had you better be able to afford it, but the price is basically double if you want it to be Sturdy and block-usable.
You most certainly are not going to find Sturdy shield runes as loot, and the likelyhood of the specific shield that meshes with you being the single one you find is also too remote to count on. So if you want to use a specific shield, you will need to pay for both the shield and rune outright.
Meaning, we are essentially back where we started. If you want to block, you'll get a Sturdy Shield.
If you want a unique effect shield, you'd better hope you don't need to block with it, else you'll be paying a lot of gp for the privilege.
None of that seems relevant to the original purpose of this thread. Start a new thread in the advice or general discussion forums if you wish. But let this thread return to its rest.