A glaive is a polearm consisting of a single-edged blade on the end of a pole. It is similar to the Japanese naginata, but is considered a weaker weapon, as there was no distinct fighting style associated with it. Additionally, instead of having a tang like a sword or naginata, the blade is affixed in a socket-shaft configuration similar to an axe head, making it more likely to break off on a long pole. Typically, the blade was around 18 inches long, on the end of a pole 6 or 7 feet long. Occasionally glaive blades were created with a small hook on the reverse side to better catch riders. Such blades are called glaive-guisarmes.