Use the following tricks for easy early leveling with shield and knife levels close range shield and defense
Warrior Intense shield and knife creates intense defense with a decent attack
Spiritualist Having a Spirit knife that increases FP recovery by 500 and will help you maintain a spell fiesta without many potions A shield could benefit if you are dependent on not dying
Ranger When the Long Range skill is maxed use this combo to stay powerful and alive Defense is not given much to a ranger Leveling close range can be difficult Intense works well
Specialist Intense shield and knife really protects the health they lack Long range weapons will be useful if they prefer avoiding damage altogether