Chopping off spearheads, cutting polearms in half?

Another question about historical martial arts that has come up: Can you cut through the wooden shaft of a spear, axe or other polearm with a single strike? Short answer: no. Parrying with the shaft is definitely possible, especially since in a fight you're not just standing there statically, receiving a cut at the its maximum momentum. You'll want to side-step and otherwise redirect the force of the opponent's weapon. Even with a static block and a shaft made of cheap, soft wood you can't jus