The primary purpose of a spear is thrusting rather than slashing or cutting. Spears are designed with a long shaft and a pointed tip, making them highly effective for thrusting and piercing attacks. The length of the spear provides reach, and the pointed tip concentrates force for penetrating armor or delivering powerful thrusts.

While spears are not typically used for slashing or cutting, it is possible to deliver slashing or sweeping motions with the shaft or butt end of the spear. These movements can be used to strike or disarm opponents at close quarters or create space between the user and the attacker. However, it's important to note that such slashing or sweeping techniques are secondary to the primary thrusting capabilities of a spear.

If a slashing or cutting action is desired, other weapons like swords or bladed polearms, such as the naginata, are more suitable due to their specific designs and blade characteristics. These weapons are optimized for cutting and slashing motions, with their curved or edged blades providing superior cutting effectiveness.

It's essential to recognize the strengths and limitations of different weapons and understand their intended uses. Spears excel at thrusting and maintaining distance, while slashing and cutting are better suited to weapons specifically designed for those actions. Proper training and instruction in the use of these weapons can help maximize their effectiveness and ensure safety.