Swordstaff

A swordstaff (svärdstav) is a Scandinavian polearm, used in the Middle Ages.

[citation needed] Evidence of the weapon in use at the battle of Elfsborg (Alvesborg) in 1502 is provided by Paul Dolnstein,[1] a landsknecht mercenary who fought in the battle, who refers to the Swedes carrying "good pikes made from swords".

[2] Although Dolstein believed the weapon was made from swords, there is no independent confirmation of this.

[citation needed] The weapon has visual similarities to the partisan and langue de boeuf and may share common origins.

However, Scandinavian sagas make references to a number of pole weapons, usually translated as "halberd" or "bill".

Paul Dolnstein's sketch of a Swedish militiaman (left) using a swordstaff in combat with a landsknecht (right).
Han dynasty sha (swordstaff), modern recreation of the classic version of the swordstaff "sha" from the Han dynasty era