glave

The glave is a polearm weapon that combines an axe blade with a spear point. It typically features a curved or hooked blade, often with a sharp point at the top and sometimes additional blades or spikes along the shaft. Historically, the glave evolved from earlier polearm designs and saw use in various cultures across different periods, particularly in medieval and Renaissance warfare. Its design offered versatility, allowing for both thrusting attacks with the spear point and chopping or hooking maneuvers with the axe blade.

The exact form and construction of a glave could vary significantly depending on the region and the specific era. Some glaves were relatively simple, while others were elaborately decorated. The effectiveness of the glave lay in its reach and its dual offensive capabilities. It could be used to keep opponents at a distance with its length, deliver powerful cuts, or pierce armor with its sharp point. While not as commonly depicted in popular culture as some other polearms, the glave was a practical and formidable weapon in its time. Its lineage can be traced through various forms of polearms that have been employed for centuries in combat and as status symbols.