[Kuruharan]

It would only emphasise that Thorin was not doing very well, he "did not reach the status of nobility" in the exile

An interesting interpretation.

"...the battle cry which (Gimli) uttered in the siege of the Hornburg. That at least was not secret, and had been heard on many a field since the world was young. Baruk Khazad! Khazad aimenu! 'Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!'" - LotR Appendix F

I'd forgotten that one.

The problem with swords is that the Dwarves are too short to use anything longer than a foot or two, which would allow their enemies to get too close.

That's where the Roman fighting method comes into play. Hunkering down behind a big shield and quickly punching out with a short sword (stabbing not slicing).

I would think a devastating dwarf weapon,
especially for use against cavalry would be
something akin to the Swiss halberd.
Obviously shortened for Middle-earth dwarf use.

Also a valid idea.

Ha, yes, that actually sounds good. Indeed, it would have been shortened a lot, though.

Maybe, although dwarven strength might allow them to manage weapons that might at first glance look like they were too long.