[Hahaha, oh Aki, it's much weirder than that.]

I've never used a spear, although I have used a halberd. A scythe is used for long-range slashing, but the pole is good for blocking or bludgeoning; I used the halberd the same way. I guess the theory is the same in the long stick with a blade at the end of it way.

...Well, except with a spear you can't block someone from backing up while you punch them.

[True story.]