Brief Description:  A war scythe was a formidable medieval polearm made by remounting an agricultural scythe's blade so it pointed straight forward, parallel to a long wooden shaft. Unlike a traditional farming scythe, it featured a heavy, strengthened blade designed for slashing, chopping, and thrusting. The weapon became a famous tool for poorly armed peasant uprisings and militias. It differs significantly from the agricultural tool and common pop-culture imagery in several ways.

Orientation: On the battlefield, the blade was forged and mounted in line with the pole, turning it into a fearsome spear-like or glaive-like weapon rather than a right-angled tool.

Blade Durability: Agricultural scythes feature thin blades for cutting grass. True war scythes had thick, durable carbon steel blades with straight, proper bevels designed to withstand armor-breaking impacts without snapping.

Tactical Use: With a reach often exceeding 6 to 8 feet, the forward-facing edge and sharp point were highly effective for hacking at cavalry, pulling armored knights off their horses, and penetrating mail.