Halberds are a two-handed polearm weapon with an axe blade topped by a long, slim thrusting spike and backed with a pointed beak that usually inclines towards the butt of the shaft, as in this example of the 16th century Swiss halberd. Its versatility in battle made it a popular choice for arming infantrymen on the field: it has a concave blade for cutting, and spike with a quadrangular section for thrusting with its beak able to be used for grappling with calvalry.