 An Ahlspiess. An Ahlspiess (not to be confused with the longer Awl Pike) was a thrusting spear developed and used in Germany in the 15th century. A typical ahlspiess was about 6 to 8 feet in length and had a single thin prong. The shaft of an ahlspiess was usually 3 feet, allowing balance and space to rest it on one's shoulder. For this reason, an ahlspiess could be carried around almost always.
Mostly all foot soldiers carried an ahlspiess as it was quite an efficient weapon. Against a running cavalry, it could prick through the stronger armoured riders, and against foot soldiers, it could be used for normal thrusting. Soldiers additionally carried a sword, for it was not very maneuverable in close-range combat.
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