Halberts...

[DeTerminator]

The topic of spears peaked my interest in another instrument, the Halbert, or Halberd.

This is a Swiss 14th-15th century pole weapon. It is somewhat like a long spear, with an axe-head feature, and a hook. I believe Cold Steel used to offer them. I wish they still did.

Here's a link to check them out...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halberd

 

[DeTerminator]

More info on this bad boy...http://www.bytheswordinc.com/c-832-battle-axes.aspx

Just when I thought a boar spear satisfied me. This takes things over the top.

 

[shinyroks]

Thanks for the link, I just wasted half an hour looking over their toys...

 

[JShirley]

Get good with the spear before you move
onto other polearms.

 

[Goosey]

Cold Steel did used to make a halberd: http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x283/Suvurov/polearm tests/DSCN0270.jpg
(Second from left)

Arms and Amor makes some very nice polearms:

http://armor.com/polearms.html

 

[hso]

There are a variety of pole axes that fall in this general family, but while suitable for the 15th C battle field they're only of historical interest today (but still very interesting).

 

[DeTerminator]

Thanks for the advice re. getting good with the spear before considering a pole axe.

I've been working with the boar spear, and am getting familiar with it. I like the fact that it has that crossguard. It keeps the hand away from that sharp head when using the butt end for jabs or blocks. So, it has another purpose aside from preventing over penetration when actually used for boar hunting.

Thanks for the link and picture, Goosey. Cool.