I do NOT know of a
set specifically associated with the single-sided halberd
pictured below. The weapon itself is 77" and weighs about three
pounds. I confess I do not understand the configuration of the
business end: the point extends about 7 (seven) inches past the
top of the single crescent so one should be able to punch a
decently deep hole in an opponent before the crescent stops
progress. Overall, the weapon is built to pierce a single flat
and narrow wound. I find the asymmetry of the single crescent
annoying especially when the weapon is spinning. To me, the
crescent MIGHT protect one flank of the blade, but I fail to see
what protects the other three sides. However, to be fair, the
single crescent makes for a lighter head and somewhat faster
movement. I have some concerns about the consequences (to me) if
an enemy saber slashes inward parallel to the shaft and strikes
the two bars (in series or parallel) that attach the crescent to
the shaft. If the crescent gets slashed off (and the rest of the
business part of the halberd is stable) the result appears to be
a spear with a very long head and almost no point and even less
lateral slashing ability. On the other hand, so as to speak,
the halberd is difficult to beat aside with a single saber or
sword: yes, the short weapon is quicker, but you are using a
single hand and a comparatively light weapon against a heavier
weapon wielded with two hands. Then there's the tactical problem
of what to do if you with your short blade beat the halberd
aside: (1) you presumably set your feet to get enough power
to muscle the halberd aside (2) now you have to get moving again
and (3) you have a long way to go to get into range. Unless you
really got the halberd way off your centerline, you may find when
you move that the blade is right back literally in your
face. If you do briefly get inside the cutting zone of the
halberd you are in essence facing an asymmetric staff BUT the
enemy can retreat a step and you are back in range of the
halberd blade. My guess would be the most common situation would
be to face a phalanx of halberd bearers.
See
the Wing
Lam website (wle.com) has the twin
halberds mentioned earlier as well as the traditional
double-sided halberd with a snake (wavy) central blade. |
