Poleaxe Vs Halberd- Which Is The Best Weapon For Battle?

Which is the best weapon for battle, Poleaxe or Halberd? Let’s find out!

Battling Blades was designed to allow players to control their destiny in these battles, and now we're here to help you figure out what's right for your particular circumstances.

By thoroughly examining the characteristics of each weapon from end to end and simulating a series of duels, we can confidently answer this question:

What is the better tool for battle, Poleaxe or Halberd from Battling Blades? Read on to find out!

Introducing Poleaxe - A Brief History

The poleaxe, a versatile medieval weapon that emerged in the 14th century, was a popular hand-held tool for knights and soldiers.

The weapon was constructed with a lengthy wooden shaft, usually around six feet in size, and a metal head comprising a hammer, a spike, and occasionally an ax-shaped blade.

However, the poleaxe weapon offered its wielder the ability to perform three different types of attacks. This included the hammer for blunt force trauma, the spike for piercing, and the blade for slicing things up.

Also, the sharp pointy end of the spike was designed to penetrate the plate armor of the opponent. Also, the hook-like side could grab onto the armor to immobilize them.

The Poleaxe significantly impacted military history and became a staple weapon in Europe for a long time.

Even Dungeons & Dragons 5e have included poleaxes in their weapons list and made them accessible to their players.

Introducing Halberd - A Brief History

The Halberd, a long pole weapon, has been used since medieval times.
Despite the popular misconception that a halberd is the same as a glaive, there are distinct differences between the two weapons.

The Halberd measures six to eight feet long and is characterized by its ax-like blade, pointed tip, and hooked end.

Infantry soldiers primarily used it as a versatile tool capable of thrusting, hacking, and hooking. In contrast, the glaive is a sword on a long pole.

With its blade affixed to the pole, it was used to slice and chop similarly to a traditional sword.

Over time, the Halberd has played a crucial role in shaping the development of warfare.

Its long reach and versatile functions made it a powerful and effective weapon in battles.

The Halberd may not be widely used today, but it remains an important weaponry with a rich history.

Pros And Cons Of Poleaxes And Halberds

Poleaxes and halberds are two polearms widely known for their remarkable design and functionality.

Soldiers and warriors have employed poleaxes and halberds for centuries. Their aesthetic appeal and ability to cause significant harm to the enemy is admirable.

The following sections will scrutinize the pros and cons of these weapons.

Pros of Poleaxes

One of the significant advantages of a poleaxe is its versatility. With an ax, spike, and hook all in one weapon, a poleaxe could take down an armored rider. It could also breach castle walls, or even chop wood.

Infantry soldiers used it across Europe during the Middle Ages. It could defeat a heavily armored knight with its ax head and pierce a suit of armor with its spear-like spike.

The Poleaxe is more beneficial than other weapons due to its extended reach.

As a polearm, it provides ample space for the user, which allows for safer attacks and parries, especially when fighting in a group.

Cons of Poleaxes

One disadvantage of a poleaxe is its weight and size. Its long wooden handle and metal head can make it difficult to handle for some people. Especially if they are not used to wielding such a weapon.

Also, a poleaxe may be less effective against an enemy who is not on horseback or not armored.

Pros of Halberds

The most significant advantage of a halberd is its versatility.

A halberd has a spear-like blade that can thrust. Also, it has an ax head that can chop, and a hook that can pull or disarm an enemy's shield.

This versatility means that the Halberd can be used both offensively and defensively. It was a favorite weapon among soldiers in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Another advantage of the Halberd is its reach. It provides an extended reach for the user, which allows for safer attacks and parries. Especially when fighting in a group.

This reach can keep the enemy at bay or pull them off their mount.

Cons of Halberds

One of the disadvantages of a halberd is its weight and size.

Halberds were quite heavy, and their length made them difficult to wield for some soldiers.

Plus, the hook on the back of the Halberd could become entangled with the enemy's armor or weapons. Such entanglement would make it difficult to use.

Halberd vs. Poleaxe

Although there are several similarities between halberds and poleaxes, there are also some significant distinctions.

A halberd typically has a longer reach due to its longer blade. While a poleaxe has more cutting power due to its heavier ax head and spike.

Halberds can also be more versatile in combat due to their additional hook on the back of the blade. While poleaxes are generally simpler in design.

Which Weapon Is Better For Different Types Of Battle: Poleaxe And Halberd

Poleaxe and Halberd are both polearms that have been used in medieval warfare for centuries.

They were designed to counter cavalry and infantry attacks. Moreover, they have unique features that make them effective for various battles.

Here we will explore the differences between poleaxe and halberd weapons and which is better for different battles.

What Is A Halberd?

Before diving into the comparison, let's define a Halberd. A Halberd is a polearm that typically has a long shaft, an ax blade, and a top spike.

Some variations of Halberd have a hammerhead instead of an ax blade. European armies widely used halberds from the 14th to the 17th century.

Parts Of A Halberd

We need to know its parts to understand how a Halberd weapon works.
The shaft, usually made of wood, is the long portion of the weapon the user holds.

The spearhead is at the base of the shaft, which is used for thrusting attacks.

However, the ax blade or hammerhead is on the other end of the shaft, used for chopping and bludgeoning attacks.

Plus, the spike is at the top of the weapon used for piercing attacks.

Types Of Halberds

There are different types of Halberds, each with a specific use on the battlefield.

Some of the most common Halberds are:

• Halberd with Axe Blade: This is the most common type of Halberd, and it is used for chopping attacks.
• Halberd with Hammerhead: This type of Halberd is used for bludgeoning attacks. It was designed to crush armor and helmets.
• Glaive-Halberd: This type of Halberd has a longer and wider blade than the traditional Halberd. It was used for sweeping attacks against multiple opponents.

Poleaxe Vs Halberd

Now, let's compare Poleaxe vs. Halberd weapons. Both weapons have a similar design. But some differences make them better suited for different battles.

Poleaxe Weapon

Poleaxe is a polearm with a long shaft, a pointed spike at the top, and an ax blade on one side.

The ax blade is usually curved and has a bearded shape. Meaning it has a hook-like extension on the bottom of the blade.

Poleaxe Length

The length of a Poleaxe varies, but it typically ranges between 4 and 6 feet.

Users who fought on horseback preferred Poleaxe weapons with longer shafts since they provided a longer reach.

Poleaxe Hammer

Some Poleaxe weapons have a hammerhead instead of an ax blade.

The hammerhead was used for bludgeoning attacks against armored opponents.

Halberd Vs Spear

Halberd weapons have a longer range than spears. Also, they offer more versatility in battle due to their various attack options.

Halberds are better suited for close-quarters combat due to their ax blades and hammerheads, which can crush and chop through armor.

Halberd Vs Sword

Halberds are longer than swords and offer a wider range of attack options.

Additionally, Halberds can be used for thrusting, chopping, and bludgeoning attacks. Whereas the swords are mainly used for thrusting and slicing attacks.

Halberd Vs Pike

Pikes are longer than Halberds and offer greater reach. However, Halberds provide more versatility in battle due to their various attack options.

Bardiche Vs Halberd

A Bardiche is another type of polearm that is similar to the Halberd.

The main difference is that Bardiche has a longer blade designed for chopping.

Training Poleaxe

Poleaxe weapons were used for practice and training in medieval times.

Training Poleaxe weapons were designed to simulate the weight and balance of a real Poleaxe. This was done without the danger of using a sharpened blade.

Chivalry 2 Polehammer And Halberd

Polehammer and Halberd are available in the medieval combat game, Chivalry 2. Polehammer is a variation of a Poleaxe with a hammerhead instead of an ax blade.

Halberd is a standard Halberd with an ax blade, a spike, and a long shaft.

Which Weapon Is Better For Different Types Of Battle?

Now that we have compared Poleaxe vs Halberd, we can determine which weapon is better for different battles.

Poleaxe is better suited for cavalry battles since it offers a longer reach and a variety of attack options. The Poleaxe can also be utilized for unhorsing riders.

Halberd is better suited for close-quarters combat. Especially in tight formations or a siege scenario where a longer weapon would be difficult to maneuver.

The hook-like blade of the Halberd can also be used to pull an enemy's shield or armor. This would give the wielder an advantage in combat.

Additionally, the Halberd can be effective against armored opponents due to its ability to pierce through plate armor.

Check out Why did Swiss mercenaries use halberds instead of poleaxes?

Selecting The Appropriate Weapon For Your Situation

When it comes down to deciding on a weapon for a particular situation. It's essential to consider factors such as reach, versatility, and effectiveness.

Regarding polearms, two weapons that often get compared are the Poleaxe and the Halberd.

While both are a type of long pole weapon, they have different features and purposes.
A halberd typically has a longer shaft and a blade that resembles a hatchet combined with a spearhead.

In contrast, a poleaxe features a hammerhead on one side and an axehead on the other, making it ideal for cutting and piercing.

Moreover, a halberd has a higher reach than a poleaxe, but a poleaxe has a more significant impact.

So, whether you're looking for a weapon to use in combat or historical reenactments. Understanding the differences between Poleaxe vs Halberd, Halberd vs Glaive, or any other type of polearm is essential.

Check out The Halberd: A Versatile and Deadly Polearm in Medieval Warfare.

Examples Of Famous Soldiers Who Used Each Weapon To Win Battles

At Battling Blades, we take pride in our range of expertly crafted medieval weapons, including poleaxes and halberds.

These weapons require skill and precision to master. We have put together this information to explore their history and the famous soldiers who used them in battle.

Poleaxe: A Versatile Medieval Weapon

The Poleaxe is believed to have originated in the 14th-century as a weapon designed to break through the armor-of-knights.

It typically features a long wooden shaft, a heavy, sharp ax head, and a pointed spike on top for thrusting.

The Poleaxe was a versatile weapon that could chop, stab, and hook opponents.

Here are some famous soldiers who used poleaxes to win battles:

• William Wallace:

The Scottish warrior was known to wield a poleaxe during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th century.

With this weapon, he was able to defeat English knights and soldiers.

• Sir John Grey:

During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, Grey used a poleaxe to deadly effect in the Battle of Barnet.

He was a key figure in the Yorkist victory over the Lancastrians.

• Swiss Pikemen:

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Swiss soldiers armed with poleaxes and other weapons formed one of the most feared armies in Europe.

They were known for their deadly precision and discipline on the battlefield.

Tips For Mastering The Use Of The Poleaxe

If you're interested in mastering the Poleaxe, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Train with a skilled instructor who can help you develop proper technique and form.
• Practice striking various targets to build strength and accuracy.
• Learn to use the hook on the back of the ax head to disarm opponents or trip them.

Halberd: A Combination Weapon

The Halberd is a combination weapon with a long staff, a sharp ax blade, and a pointed spike.

It was a popular weapon among medieval soldiers due to its long reach and versatility.

The Halberd was particularly effective against heavily armored opponents.

Here are some famous soldiers who used halberds to win battles:

• Swiss Soldiers:

Swiss soldiers were known for their skill with the Halberd and the Poleaxe.
They used this weapon to devastating effect in battles, including the Battle of Sempach and the Battle of Grandson.

• Jan Žižka:

The Czech military leader was known for his innovative tactics and use of the Halberd.

He used this weapon greatly in the Hussite Wars of the 15th century.

• Imperial German Landsknechts:

In the 16th century, these soldiers were known for using the Halberd in pitched battles.

They formed a key part of the Imperial Army in conflicts such as the Thirty Years' War.

Tips For Mastering The Use Of The Halberd

If you want to become proficient with the Halberd, here are some tips to follow:

• Practice footwork and movement to use the weapon effectively in combat.
• Experiment with different strikes and thrusts to learn the range and reach of the weapon.
• Consider using a halberd with a hammer on the back of the ax blade to increase versatility against armored opponents.

Battling Blades: Explore Our Range of Medieval Weapons Today

At Battling Blades, our poleaxes and halberds are expertly crafted from premium metals and offer unparalleled quality.

Whether you're a historical reenactor, a collector, or a martial artist, our range of products can meet your needs.

If you are interested in learning the history and use of these weapons, you can check our range. It includes games, archery equipment, and other items.

With Battling Blades, you can experience the artistry and expertise of medieval warfare.

The Bottom Line

Halberd's unparalleled reach and hacking power give you the upper hand for one-on-one duels.

But a Poleaxe is a better versatility choice in melee and multiple opponent situations.

Whether in group battles or duels, a Halberd or Poleaxe from Battling Blades could be your weapon of choice.

Researching different weapons equips you with information to be prepared for battle. Good luck in finding your perfect weapon!