What? Has the common law defense been removed?
Personally as the owner of my late brothers cutlass and his issued sword I agree with the OP, an edged weapon that isn't ready to use isn't a weapon, it's simply a decoration.
Somebody breaks into my house I'll take whatever steps I need to in keeping my family safe.
A spear is a reasonably good self defense weapon so long as the assailant doesn't have a shotgun, in which case a broken 12 Bore double under the bed would work, #4 steel shot rather than 00 buckshot. A shame we have to keep them under lock and key these days.
Respectfully - we are in the times of where one says even hypothetically online can have consequences.
Not that I agree with all of it however.