Yes, it is hard to know what is the best edged weapon. I have just about everything but have never trained in their use at all.
Historically I guess the sword has always been at the top of the list. The Spartans used their “dory” spears which were sharp at one end and sharp enough at the other and killed people by the bushel full but that was part of a highly trained unit.
I know Robert Bruce loved his battle axe and killed a good English Knight with it. I have always wondered if I made a thrust with the spear and a young powerful man grabbed it, he could take it away from me. At one time I would have been the young powerful man but no longer. Still I think I could use it successfully.
I’m good with edged weapons, good with fighting, and am good with sticks, but I have never been able to get a feel for the spears in post 27.
I have played with them a number of times and I just cannot connect with them as an exceptional weapon, of course they are still a great spear and dangerous weapon, better than nothing, and so on, but they are sure not what I like.
Per the Spartans. Interesting show used to be on Netflix called Most Dangerous Warrior. Attempted to show combat between various warriors of different periods who would never have met in reality.
One of the things I found most interesting was the effectiveness in combat of the Spartan, actually hoplite as all the Greeks of the time were outfitted about the same, weapon system.
Turns out that big heavy round shield is not only a great protection, it’s a kick-ass weapon itself. Bash into somebody, knock em off their feet and spear them while they’re down. Or bash em in the head with the side of that 25 pound shield.
In the final showdown, the Spartan beat the samurai, mostly because of that shield.
You could go with a Japanese Naginata
Alternately, you could cut a few grooves near the blade end of the spear shaft, and insert razor blades to give a surprise to anybody trying to grab the spear. (alternately, pound in nails and use a dremel tool to sharpen the ends that now stick out.