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If you love the raw simplicity of a long shaft and a deadly tip, you know a spear is more than a weapon — it’s a history lesson you can hold. Whether you’re a reenactor chasing authenticity, a collector seeking museum-quality replicas, a hunter looking for a practical tool, or a decorator wanting a dramatic wall piece, the United States has a vibrant market of sellers who specialize in spears and polearms. This guide walks through what to look for, highlights reputable US retailers, and gives practical tips so you buy a spear that fits your purpose and budget.
Spear buyers fall into several camps. Historical reenactors want period-accurate lengths and materials. Martial artists train with blunted or practice tips. Collectors hunt for rare or hand-forged pieces. Hunters and survivalists might purchase functional hunting spears. And interior designers or homeowners sometimes choose ornamental spears for dramatic decor. No matter your reason, the store you choose matters: some retailers focus on precise reproductions, others on modern utility, and a few specialize in custom, handcrafted builds.
Buying a spear online or in person is different from buying a knife or sword. A spear’s performance and appeal comes from a mix of shaft feel, head design, balance, and materials. Ignore any one of those and you may end up with a heavy, floppy, or brittle piece that’s more frustration than prize.
Look for quality steel in the spearhead — high carbon or stainless steels are common. High carbon takes a sharper, more durable edge but needs more maintenance; stainless resists rust but may not sharpen as finely. For shafts, traditional species like ash and hickory offer flexibility and shock absorption. Modern options include laminated hardwoods and fiberglass or carbon-fiber shafts for lighter weight and greater durability.
Spear lengths vary widely. A throwing spear or javelin often ranges from about 6 feet to 8 feet, while pole spears and pikes can exceed 10 feet. Balance is critical: a spear should feel like an extension of your arm. If the head is too heavy for the shaft, control suffers. A well-balanced spear lets you recover quickly after a thrust or throw and handles smoothly in drills or displays.
Spearheads come in leaf-shaped, socketed, barbed, or harpoon styles. Leaf-shaped is versatile for thrusting and cutting; barbed tips are for fishing or hunting; socketed heads offer traditional construction where the head slides onto the shaft. Match tip design to use: a decorative leaf-shaped head is perfect for display, while a forged, socketed hunting spear is better for field use.
Quality construction methods matter. Socketed heads are typically pinned or glued to the shaft and evoke traditional craftsmanship. Threaded or bolted fittings make disassembly easier for transport. Welded metal shafts or composite shafts with glued heads can be very robust for heavy-duty use but may lack the authentic look of a wooden shaft and socketed head.
Below are several respected US retailers that specialize in spears and related polearms. Each brings a different focus: reproductions and history, modern performance, handcrafted commissions, or budget-friendly mass-produced options. Read the summaries to find the right match for your needs.
Kult of Athena is a go-to for historical replicas and a broad selection of polearms. They carry classical spear types, Viking-style spears, Greek dory replicas, and medieval wariors' spears. If authenticity and historical detail matter — like correct length, blade shape, and authentic fittings — this retailer often provides options that cater to reenactors and collectors. They typically list shaft materials and blade steel, helping you compare models side-by-side.
Cold Steel is known for modern designs and rugged manufacturing. While famous for knives, they also produce robust polearms and spears aimed at practicality and durability. If you want a spear-like tool built for performance — think field use, training, or tough outdoor conditions — Cold Steel’s offerings are worth a look. Their products usually prioritize strength and impact resistance over strict historical accuracy.
Albion Swords is widely respected for top-tier craftsmanship, especially among collectors seeking museum-quality blades. While better known for swords, Albion’s standards in heat treatment, blade geometry, and historical detail extend to polearms and spearheads when available. Expect a premium price, but also premium fit and finish. Collectors who want pieces that can be studied, handled, and displayed often gravitate toward makers like Albion.
Medieval Collectibles serves reenactors, collectors, and stage performers with a large catalog that ranges from budget-friendly replicas to higher-end pieces. They’re a practical choice if you want to outfit a group or build a collection without breaking the bank. Their selection often includes decorative spears suitable for wall displays, as well as sturdier pieces for live-action role-play and demonstration use.
Museum Replicas specializes in historically inspired items and movie-accurate reproductions. They’re a strong pick for anyone who wants the look and story of a spear without needing it to be a fully functional combat tool. Many of their spears emphasize aesthetics, with ornate fittings and historically styled heads, making them ideal for display or theatrical use.
Shops that focus on axes, swords, and polearms — sometimes under names like Axe & Sword — often stock less-common spear types and hybrid polearms. These retailers can be a great place to find training spears, harpoons, and unique historical variants. They also sometimes collaborate with independent smiths to offer limited-run or handmade pieces that you won’t see in mass-market catalogs.
If you’re chasing a specific historical pattern, a custom weight, or a decorative motif, commissioning a blacksmith or specialist maker is the way to get exactly what you want. Many US bladesmiths and polearm smiths will work to your specs — choosing shaft species, head geometry, finish, and engraving. This is more expensive and takes time, but the result is a bespoke piece tailored to your hand and your wall.
Start with a clear brief: intended use (display, reenactment, thrusting, throwing), desired length in feet/inches, head style, and finish. Ask for photos of similar past work and an estimated timeline. A reputable smith will discuss heat-treating, tang or socket details, and recommend shaft materials. Expect lead times measured in weeks or months depending on complexity.
Shopping for a spear online requires an eagle eye. Read descriptions carefully and look for specific specs: shaft length in feet/inches, head material and thickness, overall weight, and whether the head is welded, pinned, or fitted. High-quality sellers list the weight in ounces or pounds and the balance point distance from the tip, which helps you visualize how the spear will handle.
Good listings include close-up photos of the head, socket or tang, shaft grain, and any markings. If photos are missing, ask the seller for more. For used or vintage pieces, request high-resolution images of the tip and proximal shaft to check for cracks, repairs, or rot.
Ask sellers how the spearhead is finished and whether they recommend oil, wax, or other care for the shaft and head. If you plan to use the spear for demonstration or hunting, ask if the tip is hardened and whether it accepts re-sharpening without damage.
Spears are simple devices but they still need care. Metal tips benefit from regular oiling to prevent rust. Wooden shafts should be kept dry and may be waxed or finished with oil to resist moisture penetration and splitting. If the spearhead is removable, store disassembled in climate-controlled space. For display pieces, avoid direct sunlight to prevent shaft warping and fading.
Laws about owning spears vary by jurisdiction. In many US states owning a spear is legal, but carrying it in public may be restricted. If you plan to transport a spear, keep it sheathed or disassembled and stored in your vehicle’s trunk. Always follow local laws and use common sense: spears are weapons and should be treated with respect, handled in controlled environments, and kept away from children.
Before you hit “buy,” run through this checklist: Does the seller specify shaft length in feet/inches and head material? Are there clear photos of the head and shaft construction? Is the spear balanced for your intended use? Does the seller have good reviews from reenactors or collectors? If buying custom, is the timeline and warranty laid out? Answer these and you greatly reduce the chance of disappointment.
If you’re new, begin with a mid-priced replica from a reputable retailer. Choose a spear roughly matching your height — a comfortable rule of thumb is a spear that’s about 1.5 to 2 times your height for thrusting and display, and shorter for throwing practice. Try handling one in person if possible. Many medieval fairs and reenactment groups allow supervised handling, giving you a hands-on sense for balance and reach before you buy.
Buying a spear is part practical decision, part personal preference. The US marketplace offers everything from rugged, modern polearms to painstakingly accurate replicas and bespoke commissions. Choose a seller that aligns with your priority — authenticity, performance, or budget — and vet listings using the material and construction cues outlined here. With the right research, you’ll end up with a spear that not only looks magnificent on your wall but also handles the way you expect it to when you pick it up.
