Centuries after firearms replaced cold weapons as the dominant force on the battlefield, swords, spears, and shields seem to have faded into history. Many modern armies have abandoned bayonet training, and even entrenching tools—once highly effective in World Wars—are now collecting dust in storage. In today’s world of skyscrapers and drone warfare, cold weapons appear to exist only in films, museums, or reenactments.
But have cold weapons and the era they represent truly disappeared?
The answer is no.
Even in an age when tanks have replaced cavalry and rockets dominate sieges, many traditional weapons—or their modern variants—are still in use across the globe. They remain essential for specific groups that need simple yet reliable tools for combat and defense. This article tells the story of how some cold weapons continue to "fight" in modern times.
Since ancient times, pole weapons have played a central role in warfare. The old saying “The longer the weapon, the stronger the reach” explains why spears and staffs have always been favorites on the battlefield. In modern society, these tools have made a surprising comeback, especially in street protests and political unrest situations where resources are limited and manpower is crucial.
In Asia, dense bamboo forests and lightweight wood provide ideal materials for making long sticks and spears. From Chinese militias during the war against Japan, to student movements in 1960s Japan, and even today’s street protests in Myanmar and Thailand, homemade spears remain a go-to weapon for civilians resisting armed forces. These weapons are easy to produce and use, and when wielded in groups, they can form makeshift phalanxes to push back opponents or hold the line.
In today’s digital era, some protest groups—especially those influenced by “color revolutions”, receive training in organization and tactics. As a result, crowds equipped with pole weapons can become more coordinated and more threatening.
On the other side of this “cold weapon comeback,” police and military forces have modernized their response.
In the West, police are often equipped with metal or polymer batons, riot shields, and tactical hammers. These tools allow officers to form shield walls during large protests, such as the Occupy Wall Street movement or France’s Yellow Vests.
China, on the other hand, has taken a more localized approach—combining traditional martial arts with modern, non-lethal tools. Riot forks, high-powered flashlights mounted on batons, and hook-shaped pole weapons have been developed for crowd control.
Interestingly, some Chinese manufacturers even bundle multiple tools into “kits” that are both practical and marketable, reminiscent of ancient Arabian arms dealers.
But these tools are not all harmless. In high-risk situations such as anti-terror operations in border areas, more aggressive weapons—like modular spiked poles—are deployed. These weapons are inspired by ancient hybrid tools like the Chinese "shu," allowing users to switch between stabbing and striking to handle unpredictable threats.
Pairing shields with short weapons has always been a classic strategy. Ancient Roman legions used short swords and rectangular shields in turtle formations, and modern riot police apply similar tactics—forming shield walls during mass protests to control crowds with batons.
Since the mid-20th century, shields have evolved to deal with new threats such as rocks and Molotov cocktails. Today’s shields are much more advanced:
Stronger builds: Modern riot shields have evolved from simple plastic into composite materials capable of stopping rifle bullets.
More features: Many now include flashlights, tear gas launchers, window breakers, or even grappling hooks.
Varied designs: Large rectangular shields, small round Viking-style shields, and curved shields designed to deflect explosions have all made comebacks.
Interestingly, shields are also used by protestors. In movements like the Arab Spring, the Ukrainian crisis, and unrest in Southeast Asia, homemade shields—often crafted in local workshops—offer protection and are used to mirror police formations in direct standoffs.
Short weapons are also evolving, especially those used with shields.
Traditional batons have long been part of law enforcement around the world. Over time, newer versions like side-handle batons (T-batons) and electric stun batons have gained popularity for their flexibility and power. Today, police often carry extendable batons and tasers—non-lethal but highly effective tools for restraining suspects and handling emergencies.
In some border conflicts, short weapons have even seen real combat. According to reports, during a clash on the China-India border, improvised weapons like metal basins and pickaxe handles caused significant injuries.
Even in a world full of firearms, blades are still deadly weapons—especially in unstable countries. In Myanmar, Thailand, and Venezuela, knives, machetes, and curved swords are commonly used in street violence, with attacks on both law enforcement and civilians frequently making headlines.
While these makeshift weapons may not match professional gear in power, they often carry symbolic weight. Seen as tools of resistance, their use can trigger massive backlash if protestors are violently suppressed. In places like Ukraine, officers who tried to crack down on demonstrators were sometimes forced to resign or even lost their lives under public pressure.
In this fast-moving technological era, cold weapons may seem like relics of the past. But in reality, they still play a role—just in different forms and contexts.
They might not dominate wars anymore, but they remain the most direct and instinctive form of human conflict. Whether it’s the force of a long staff, the defense of a shield, the control of a baton, or the threat of a blade, these tools still influence how power is balanced in modern society.
The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: in areas marked by unrest, blurred boundaries, and intense human conflict, the story of cold weapons is far from over.
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