Samurai Hoko & Shield feels pretty strong against human enemies so far (Mild spoilers for DLC mini-boss)
The shield charge specifically feels like it just stunlocks humans so easily, and with the shield blocking attacks throughout the entire thing, it just feels like bullying. And i absolutely love it.
Granted i am still getting used to the Samurai version since my brain is hard-wired onto fists, but i think i've found my main use for it so far