Halberds

Halberds were effective combat and cavalry warfare weapons during the medieval era in Europe. A skilled foot soldier on the ground could easily take down their opponents on horseback using halberds, a type of pole weapon designed for versatility and efficiency throughout the medieval period. As a military weapon, these arms were especially lethal for dismounting armed opponents during warfare. 

Complete Your Renaissance Look with Our Halberd

The halberd was considered one of the most versatile and innovative medieval weaponry. Its origins can be traced to the Swiss armies in the early medieval era, and its use spread to other parts of Europe in the 16th century. The halberd is a type of pole weapon approximately six feet in height.

The handle of the halberd is a long wooden pole. The halberd has three parts that make up the axe head: the axe blade or the halberd blade, which is for slicing through armor, and the sharp spike, which is for thrusting. Lastly, the hook, which takes down enemies on horseback as they ride by and helps snag them off their mount during combat, is like three tools in one.

Here at Medieval Collectibles, we have a great line of functional medieval halberds for your reenacting needs, whether you participate in LARP games that involve armored or stage combat. We also carry decorative halberd weapons for theater productions, stage props, and for those who like to collect and display them. Browse from our wide range of polearms below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the halberd?

The main advantage of the halberd weapon is the axe head mounted on top of the long wooden pole. It is made so strong that the blade can pierce metal when thrust, which is why it was the primary weapon used against medieval knights in Europe. If the horseback attackers are not yet dislodged from their mounts, the hook helps them immensely. You need ample training to wield this weapon efficiently, and it can be deadly once it is in masterful hands. 

However, the halberd cannot be used in close-range battles. Foot soldiers assigned to wield this polearm are trained to keep enemies from closing in to decrease the efficacy of the halberd weapon.

Moreover, halberds cannot be used in close-range combat. Foot soldiers who have to use this weapon are trained to keep enemies from coming in at close quarters to decrease the efficacy of their halberds. 

Who made the halberd?

During medieval times, blacksmiths forged halberds along with many other weapons. Compared to other swords, the halberd was easy and cheap to produce and required iron and steel. The battle axe blade was handcrafted to be mounted on long wooden poles and reinforced with metal strips to strengthen the head and the shaft together. 

Most of our blade weapons for stage combat are made with premium materials and hand-forged to replicate the feel of historical spear armaments. The handles are crafted from wood, metal, or alloy–all ready for stage combat use by trained personnel. We go above and beyond to give you the best options regarding polearms and other medieval weaponry.

Browse Our Medieval Weapons Collection

Medieval Collectibles is the largest online distributor of medieval and Renaissance weapons and items, including a wide selection of polearms. We have a vast catalog of functional halberds, decorative swords, and other medieval arms and weapons from different eras and cultures. We curate these weapons for historical accuracy and craftsmanship, so they’re not just ready for stage combat but also fit for other needs, such as collections and roleplaying. For questions, please call us at 1-877-637-9673.