Speculative Halberd Formation in the Hellenistic Era

[Dan Howard]

If you look at all the factors that decide the outcome of a battle - numbers, training, supplies, communication, weather, terrain, surprise, commander ability, equipment, tactics, fortification, morale, fatigue, etc. - and list them in order of importance, the difference between the arms of both sides is right down near the bottom.

In any case, the difference between Indian wootz steel arms and the steel arms used by other cultures at the time is functionally indistinguishable. At best a blade would hold an edge a little longer and be a little less likely to bend in battle, and the armour would be a little lighter but provide no additional protection. It would have a negligible influence on the outcome of a battle.