Halberd

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The Halberd or Alabarda in Spanish is a kind of polearm weapon that has wooden shaft or handle. It is generally described as the combination of a battle axe mounted on a spear. Like many such arms, the halberd's origins may be peaceful and agricultural, evolving from axes and billhooks, with the addition of a spear's thrusting capability. The halberd reached its peak of functional design by the late 15th century and began to decline into a largely decorative and ceremonial object after that time. Later halberds often had a long, thin spike and a large, crescent-shaped blade and extensive decoration. These were carried by guards or used in ceremonies. In its peak period of service, however, halberds dominated the battlefield. Like most other polearms, the halberd was used in mass formations. It proved especially effective in unhorsing mounted opponents and significantly influenced armour and tactics in its heyday.

History

Characteristics

The balance of this weapon is quite pleasing, and in a proper stance, with the dominant hand placed in the center of the staff, the weight of the head does not seem to matter. The haft is long enough to allow staff fighting if necessary and it flows from guard to guard with relative ease.

True to historical form, this is a "mish-mash" weapon, combining traits of various other weapons in a single form. The back spike of the head is used for hooking and the blade are used to cause wounds even on a weak cut. The spike is long enough for an effective thrust, but not so long that it is unwieldy. Combined with armour and an aggressive attitude, this truly would have been a weapon to be feared.