I thought you were referring to camera torture tests ... the legendary Nikkormat model was known as the camera you could use as a hammer to drive a nail, then take the photo of your project.
Along the same lines, while carrying my Nikon FM2 and my Nikkor 28mmF/2.0 lens (a LOT of glass) I once was accosted by a mugger. I have always shortened the stock camera strap to one where the hand fit snugly against the body, for a steadier shot. This provides what amounts to a nice handle, and I used it, swinging the camera and that half pound of glass at the assailant, nailing him square in the jaw, whereupon he went down hard. I just calmly walked away; looking back almost a block later, he was still on the sidewalk, but was sitting up and moving.
And the camera and lens survived that as well.