Often, I’ll be using a shield while I have a tool out for gathering. When getting attacked, I’ll hold the shield up, then do a quick switch from the tool to a sword. When I make the switch I’m not able to attack. The sword will be stuck, but my shield is still raised. The only way to get this to right itself is for me to put away the sword and shield, then bring them out again. Of course by this time, the attackers will have gotten a couple of shots in on me. I play on PC and use a keyboard and mouse when this occurs.