[Kromm]

Spears are cool. Don't forget that for just 1/5 of the price of a broadsword ($600) that does sw+1 cut/thr+2 imp at reach 1 and requires ST 10, you can have a fine spear ($120) that does thr+4 imp at reach 2 and requires ST 9.

If you're a mook or lowly wizard with ST 9 (damage 1d-2/1d-1) or ST 10 (damage 1d-2/1d) anyway, the comparison is 1d cut/1d imp or 1d+1 cut/1d imp vs. 1d+2 imp. Even with a respectable ST 11 (damage 1d-1/1d+1) or ST 12 (damage 1d-1/1d+2), the comparison is 1d+2 cut/1d+1 imp or 1d+3 cut/1d+1 imp vs. 1d+3 imp. At ST 13 (damage 1d/2d-1), 2d cut/1d+2 imp may be more attractive than 1d+4 imp, though on average 1d+4 imp will injure DR 0-8 targets more than 2d cut will.

So at reach, you're better off with a well-made spear until you get very, very strong. And with the $480 you save, you can seriously consider things like a dwarven whetstone ($500) or a couple of strength potions ($250 apiece) for those tough fights.

If the GM feels adventurous, it isn't utterly nuts to allow spears to have bodkin points like arrows and bolts. Then the comparisons become things like 1d+2(2) pi, 1d+3(2) pi, or 1d+4(2) pi with the fine spear vs. 1d+1 cut, 1d+3 cut, or 2d cut with the broadsword swing, making the spear the unambiguous winner for piercing DR . . . and really no less damaging when targeting the vitals (as piercing is as good as impaling for that).