Halberds & Poleaxes — The Battlefield Problem-Solvers

Halberds & Poleaxes

The halberd was the Swiss answer to armored cavalry: an axe blade to cleave, a spike to thrust like a spear, and a hook to drag a knight off his horse — all on six feet of hardwood. It ruled battlefields for two centuries and still stands guard at the Vatican today. The poleaxe was its knightly cousin, shorter and built for armored duels on foot, where its hammer and spike found the gaps plate armor couldn't cover.

Ours are hand-forged in high-carbon steel and mounted on full-length hafts to the historical patterns. If you've read our halberd and poleaxe guides, you know the difference each design made; this is where those weapons come off the page.

Halberd FAQ

What is the difference between a halberd and a poleaxe?

Length and job. The halberd is a two-handed infantry weapon around six feet, built for formation fighting against cavalry. The poleaxe is shorter — closer to head height — with a hammer or axe face and spike, designed for knight-versus-knight combat on foot. Our full guide covers the details.

Why does the halberd have a hook?

To dismount cavalry. The back hook caught a rider's armor or reins and hauled him to the ground, where the spike finished the argument. It also pulled shields aside in infantry fighting — the halberd is three tools that cover each other's weaknesses.

Are your halberds full-sized?

Yes — heads are hand-forged high-carbon steel mounted on full-length hardwood hafts to historical proportions. They're built for reenactment, collection, and display; dimensions are on each product page.