funny hypothetical: what if very blunt, hooked pikes were used to fight riot police using modified push of pike tactics? the hook for grabbing shields and blunt protrusion for pushing them back; rioters press together tightly with rear echelons supporting and pushing forward the most physically able pikemen at the front. batons and shields outranged, streets perfect for a line of pikes, cops can't do regular psychological intimidation because even if the front of the formation wanted to flee they couldn't. gambeson if layered heavily could probably withstand limited amounts of birdshot and rubber bullets. severe weaknesses would be flash bangs, gas, water hoses targeting the rear and of course cops learning to using pikes.