You can easily try it by making one and trying it out. I mean, certainly you can use the handle of a screwdriver as a hammer (we've all been there), but just b

You can easily try it by making one and trying it out. I mean, certainly you can use the handle of a screwdriver as a hammer (we've all been there), but just by attempting it for a bit you quickly realize the purpose of the tool you've been handed. What's more interesting is the insistence of modern folks that ancient warriors were very happy standing around and being stabbed to death, and that anyone with a bit of sense wouldn't avail themselves of a standoff weapon. As the author points out, the "highland charge" of the gunpowder era exploited the fact that lines of infantry tend to not want to get stabbed, and tend to rout rather quickly at the prospect. Having your lines disordered or broken when the enemy has already closed in probably would induce panic the requiste panic quite quickly.