A long discourse on the halberd is best left for some other time, however there is a tendency to lump all polearms together. It is important to note that the spear is entirely different from a glaive in terms of its use. The use of the spear in the fashion of a quarterstaff or glaive is essentially the unorthodox method of the employment of a spear. The orthodox use of the spear is to thrust down the centre. It is a common tactic to attack the spear by beating, binding or levering it off the centre. Therefore chopping with the spear in the fashion of a glaive is not the ideal use of the weapon - this method becomes useful in a symmetrical engagement (with another spear) or when the centre has been lost but should be considered the unorthodox. The glaive, on the other hand, is not best used as a spear - there are many examples of its use as such but in this case, the spear-like use of the glaive is unorthodox. As my prefered Japanese example is the Katori style I have i...