Does anyone know if any of the Shield perks apply to torches when performing a block action? Torches can be used to block and "bash," so I'm wondering if they benefit from any of the perks. It would be cool if that were the case.

It seems like blocking with a torch doesn't block much damage, but it's pretty cool bashing an enemy and setting them on fire.

It most certainly is, but do any of the Blocking perks activate when wielding a torch in an off hand?