Quote Originally Posted by Zild
I think this also explains some of the odd-looking weaponary created during medieval times - spears with axes or other side-facings blades, so that it could be used to slash as well as thrust, and even some where am additional spike faces towards the holder, I imagine so that they can yank the weapon back and impale anyone who is too close in the back...
That's the basic idea behind a billhook. Put a "hook" on the end of a pole-arm, and you can use it to pull mounted men from their horses.