I used this head to built a 7-foot halberd, with the MR Greek spear butt cap at the opposite end, which looks great and has good weight as a counterbalance. I used an oval red oak pole, which is about 1" on the narrow measurement, and about 1-1/4" on the long side of the oval. The oval shape feels great and allows for proper indexing, and also has greater strength along the striking axis of the oval vs. a 1" round pole. I do still wonder if the (red oak) pole is strong enough given the narrow and short socket, but I'm loathe to test it.. .. I sharpened the axe, hook, and blade edges myself. I found the inside diameter of the halberd head socket to be almost exactly 1" at its widest on mine, and the depth of the socket was right around 5" if memory serves. The socket is drilled for a pin, which is ideal as I always make and use one.