constructing and mounting a porpax

[Kineas]

Well, actually--if I grab the rim of a dagged shield, I'm more likely to break the shield bearer's arm.

We did considerable experimentation with this, but I encourage you to test this yourself. Just don't break anyone's arm! All the mechanical advantage is with the grabber, not with the shield bearer. In fact, we were experimenting with what a trained Pankrationist could accomplish unarmed against a hoplite. Turns out--quite a bit.

not that I disagree with your technophilia comment--far from it...