Pole weapons, pole-arms

Pole weapons, pole-arms

Pole weapons are classified as bladed stabbing and cutting weapons. A pole weapon or pole-arm is a close combat weapon in which the main fighting part of the weapon is fitted to the end of a long shaft, typically of wood, thereby extending the user's effective range. They were used for hunting and fighting. They were traditionally used by foot soldiers.

The modern lance usually had metal point on a long wooden pole. The lance is a very old weapon. It was developed more than thousand years ago. It was used in combats for a long time. However, it was not as effective as during the Napoleonic wars. Last attack with lances took place in 1939 when Poland was attacked by Polish Cossacks.

The halberd is another important pole weapon. A significant progress was achieved on battlefields thanks to the invention of the halberd. This weapon could knock down from the saddle even a heavy cavalry rider. A shaken rider could then be killed by foot soldiers easily. The halberd sometimes determined the result of a battle. Further halberd-like weapons were invented. Different types of steel weapons were attached to long poles / shafts. However, the lances were most often used as infantry weapons.

Our category pole weapons contains spear spikes, glaives, spears, pole-axes, forks and hammers. Expand your collection of historical weapons! Equip yourself for the next battle!