I have tried this, but I’m only like 2 in mace compared to 8 in sword, and I never seem to be able to pull off a clench. They can clench me all the time, though.
I do find that unarmored bandit types are best dealt with with an edged weapon. A few thwacks with a sword usually does it. But armored foes seem to be able to take multiple piercing arrow hits and mace strikes with impunity.