Spear vs Knights... am I missing something?

[CarrionPeacock]

Originally Posted by Witchking

The more yes answers I see the better the odds I will bring that shield to the party. Or design a character around the X + Shield concept.

Given GURPS mechanic, shields are almost a must for any sort of fighter.
In real life*, plate armor removed some of the need for shield, as it was enough to stop most blows. In GURPS, armor is rarely enough to keep you protected given the arguably unrealistically high muscle based damage so even a fully armored knight will do much better with a shield.

*I've seem DanHoward say mail was as protective as plate but also saying plate replaces shields so I'm not entirely sure, to be honest.