User blog comment:Pygmy Hippo 2/Apache Warriors vs. New Kingdom Egyptian Soldiers/@comment-28716800-20190729040211/@comment-422690-20190729122118

Just FYI - those hook-shaped protrusions are usually made to increase damage when the spear is pulled out. Those hooks are supposed to catch and tear intestines and flesh, making a larger, messier wound.

They're not going to help with slashing, though any infantry spear worth its salt can slash as well as stab.