While both the bardiche and glaive are polearm weapons with long shafts, they have distinct design features and historical origins. The bardiche and glaive can be considered as separate weapons rather than one being a variation or subtype of the other.

A bardiche is a type of polearm that originated in Eastern Europe, particularly in regions like Russia and Poland. It typically features a long shaft with a large, wide, and heavy blade attached at the end. The blade of a bardiche is often wider and more cleaver-like in shape compared to other polearms.

On the other hand, a glaive is a polearm weapon with a long shaft and a blade attached at the end. The blade of a glaive is typically straight and elongated, resembling a large knife or sword blade. It can have a single cutting edge or be double-edged, and its shape can vary.

While both the bardiche and glaive belong to the broader category of polearm weapons, their specific blade designs and historical associations differentiate them. The bardiche is characterized by its wide, cleaver-like blade, while the glaive has a more elongated and straight blade.

Therefore, the bardiche and glaive are considered distinct polearm weapons with their own unique characteristics, despite sharing similarities in terms of their long shafts and blades.