Is Poleaxe a Polearm?
A poleaxe is indeed a type of polearm, a European medieval infantry weapon designed for hacking, stabbing, and piercing armor plates. The poleaxe is the western European equivalent of the halberd, with the primary difference being that the head of a poleaxe is composed of separate elements held together by rivets, whereas the head of a halberd is constructed in one integral piece.
Introduction to Polearms
The poleaxe is a two-handed normal polearm, used for its effectiveness in handling individual opponents, especially those who are not mounted, and can be used against enemies in any type of armor and armed with any type of hand weapon.
FAQs About Poleaxe and Polearms
1. What is the Difference Between a Halberd and a Poleaxe?
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.
2. Is a Dane Axe a Polearm?
The Dane axe became widely used throughout Europe from the 10th century and was used as an infantry polearm, with the haft lengthened to about 1.8 m (5.9 ft).
3. Does a Halberd Count as a Polearm?
A halberd is a two-handed polearm that came to prominent use during the 14th and 15th centuries and has continued in use as a ceremonial weapon to the present day.
4. Is a Poleaxe a Spear?
There is no difference between a spear and a polearm in the sense that a spear is a type of polearm, but not all polearms are spears.
5. Is a Zweihander a Polearm?
In its developed form, the Zweihänder acquired the handling characteristics of a polearm, rather than a sword, due to its increased size and weight.
6. What is the End of a Halberd Called?
The business end of a halberd has three main parts: the axe head, the back spike, and the spear tip.
7. Would a Scythe be a Polearm?
As a pole weapon, the war scythe is characterized by long range and powerful force, and could be used to make slashing or stabbing attacks.
8. Is Bardiche a Poleaxe?
A bardiche is a type of polearm that was used from the 1300s to the 1600s in Europe, although similar to a halberd, it does not have the hook.
9. Why Would Anyone Use a Glaive Instead of a Halberd or Poleaxe?
The glaive would be ideal without supporting pikes or other long spears, as it’s a cutting/slashing polearm designed to go against moderate armor.
10. How Good was the Poleaxe?
Poleaxes are good at handling individual opponents who aren’t mounted, and can be used against enemies in any type of armor and armed with any type of hand weapon.
11. What is a Pollaxe?
A pollaxe is an ax used to slaughter cattle, with a hammer opposite the blade.
12. How Heavy was a Poleaxe?
The weight of surviving poleaxe specimens suggests a weight of 4 – 6 lbs [1.8-2.7 Kg], creating a weapon that is surprisingly well counterbalanced.
13. What is the English Meaning of Poleaxe?
To poleaxe someone means to hit them so hard that they fall down.
14. Is a Trident a Halberd?
A trident is just a spear with 3 prongs, and is not the same as a halberd.
15. What Replaced Halberds?
Under the ‘New Discipline’ that developed in European warfare during the 16th century, infantry regiments gradually replaced their bows and halberds with muskets and pikes.