Thanks to the Americans With Disabilities Act, police cannot even question if or why you need a cane. It is an approved mobility device. In certain specific cases, like flying commercial, once you are onboard they may take the cane to secure it while the plane is in flight, but they cannot ban them.

 

Thank you for your service.

In my early 20s, way back in the last century, I was badly injured on the job. I used a cane for several years. I tried different types of canes and staffs. The cane was the easiest to deal with in everyday life.

A good buddy made me a cane with a pistol grip, instead of a hook, it had a brass knob on the end. I really wanted to take some type of defensive course with it but there wasn’t much available in Maine 30+ years ago. there was a bartender at a local bar that had a similar cane, we exchanged a few tips on how to use it.

I used to hang with rough and tumble hairy biker dudes back then. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I never got to use it. If any situation developed someone always stepped in for me. There was only one time when I tried to use it. The guy was far quicker than I was hopping around bare naked on one leg.

 

I've been using a cane to increase my walking stability for about five years. It's saved me from falling numerous times after a stumble. And it's amazing how much more helpful and gracious folks are, when I'm carrying that stick.

No one has ever questioned me about it. At airports it will be X-rayed, which it passes, of course. And the TSA agents always offer me a loaner cane to get me through the line. Never even a raised eyebrow.

I made my "walking stick" out of a piece of American Hornbeam, and it has a section of polished cow horn as the handle. Recently at CVG Cincinnati a young TSA agent asked what the handle of my stick was. I said, "cow horn". He said, "Cows don't have horns." I said, "They do if their cow bells don't work." His older colleague looked at him with exasperation, saying, "He's a city boy."

I've made two similar sticks from that stem of hornbeam. Both are solid and unyielding. I built the smaller one (21 oz), then the larger one (28 oz). Both work well, but I'm coming to prefer the heavier one. The hollow in the horn is filled with JB Weld, and the end cap is held on with a screw buried in the epoxy. I found that the JB Weld alone wasn't enough to hold on the cap, if the stick is dropped.

Last month we traveled to Ireland, and my stick attracted a lot of interest and appreciation, all positive. It made things a lot easier when we were walking the trails. I was thinking of picking up a Blackthorn stick there, but didn't find anything I liked nearly as much.

One of those sticks goes with me every night when I walk my little dog. We have coyotes in the neighborhood and I'm sure I could defend us with that stick, if necessary.

Have a look online for fighting cane tactics. The cane is most effective when used to punch or poke, rather than swung. It's also harder to grab or deflect when used that way. I like my sticks about 2" longer than what a physical therapist would recommend. I'm 5' 10" and those sticks are 37".

Ka-Bar makes a tactical cane designed by John Benner of TDI Ohio. It's 0.125" tubular aluminum, weighing 35 oz. It's a beast. Cold Steel makes a line of canes out of solid polypropylene that should work well. I've not seen all their models, but i'm intrigued by several of their styles. However, I have their "Blackthorn" walking stick and it's proportioned too large for me. (Far right, lower photo below)

Drugstore canes are lightweight and suitable for support, but they are useless for defense. I'm always on the lookout for a quality, solid, wooden cane at antique shops, yard sales, hardware stores, etc--something with interesting wood, having some heft (16 oz plus), not bendy, and definitely not brittle. Oak and hickory make good sticks, but they can be harder to find. Or fashion one from a limb or trunk you find in the woods. It needs to be more or less straight, but it doesn't have to be perfectly straight.

 

I've been using a cane to increase my walking stability for about five years. It's saved me from falling numerous times after a stumble. And it's amazing how much more helpful and gracious folks are, when I'm carrying that stick.

No one has ever questioned me about it. At airports it will be X-rayed, which it passes, of course. And the TSA agents always offer me a loaner cane to get me through the line. Never even a raised eyebrow.

I made my "walking stick" out of a piece of American Hornbeam, and it has a section of polished cow horn as the handle. Recently at CVG Cincinnati a young TSA agent asked what the handle of my stick was. I said, "cow horn". He said, "Cows don't have horns." I said, "They do if their cow bells don't work." His older colleague looked at him with exasperation, saying, "He's a city boy."

I've made two similar sticks from that stem of hornbeam. Both are solid and unyielding. I built the smaller one (21 oz), then the larger one (28 oz). Both work well, but I'm coming to prefer the heavier one. The hollow in the horn is filled with JB Weld, and the end cap is held on with a screw buried in the epoxy. I found that the JB Weld alone wasn't enough to hold on the cap, if the stick is dropped.

Last month we traveled to Ireland, and my stick attracted a lot of interest and appreciation, all positive. It made things a lot easier when we were walking the trails. I was thinking of picking up a Blackthorn stick there, but didn't find anything I liked nearly as much.

One of those sticks goes with me every night when I walk my little dog. We have coyotes in the neighborhood and I'm sure I could defend us with that stick, if necessary.

Have a look online for fighting cane tactics. The cane is most effective when used to punch or poke, rather than swung. It's also harder to grab or deflect when used that way. I like my sticks about 2" longer than what a physical therapist would recommend. I'm 5' 10" and those sticks are 37".

Ka-Bar makes a tactical cane designed by John Benner of TDI Ohio. It's 0.125" tubular aluminum, weighing 35 oz. It's a beast. Cold Steel makes a line of canes out of solid polypropylene that should work well. I've not seen all their models, but i'm intrigued by several of their styles. However, I have their "Blackthorn" walking stick and it's proportioned too large for me. (Far right, lower photo below)

Drugstore canes are lightweight and suitable for support, but they are useless for defense. I'm always on the lookout for a quality, solid, wooden cane at antique shops, yard sales, hardware stores, etc--something with interesting wood, having some heft (16 oz plus), not bendy, and definitely not brittle. Oak and hickory make good sticks, but they can be harder to find. Or fashion one from a limb or trunk you find in the woods. It needs to be more or less straight, but it doesn't have to be perfectly straight.

I have a lightweight but sturdy walking stick that was shaped by vines so it has that spiral to the shaft.
I like that cow horn and I think I might try something similar with some antler I have. If stuck on there good enough I wouldn't want to get poked with antler.

 

While, I don't (yet) need a cane or walking stick...I have thought about carrying one of I can't carry a pistol. I do have a number of blackthorn sticks that were made by a friend.

@ALR Hate that agent orange crap! So far I have been lucky...Not so some friends. Keeping fighting, Brother.

Padraig

 

Thanks for the encouragement. I think I have been cured twice but the Orange is in my system and comes back with a different type of Gleason score if you know what that means. The first it was aggressive, then after radiation it took a few years and not quite sure as it wasnt shared with me but this last time I was shown all the reports and was a lesser degree but still there. Hopefully these meds will help as I was told they have patients on them for years. Been on them almost a year now and showing great improvement. They are very expensive gives a new meaning the Higher Cost of Living. Thanks again.

 

I have a sword cane, just for the heck of it and because in Nevada it's legal. For everyday protection, I rely on a P229 - 40.

 

A friend made a sturdy cane/walking stick for me. I use it time to time when one of my legs acts up. Great walking stick. Seems just about the right size and heft for defensive use as well. Imagine that.

Guy

 

I cut a shagbark hickory sapling to use as a walking staff many years ago. I harvested the sapling from my BIL's place in Northern Virginia - it's right at 5' long and has been very helpful when hiking.
As I've become "more mature", it's helped maintain my mobility on uneven ground, especially when I have the opportunity to go wood's walking. It's my constant companion on my daily walks and has discouraged a couple of canines in my neighborhood.
As HiKayaker pointed out - "it's amazing how much more helpful and gracious folks are, when I'm carrying that stick." LOL!

 

For help with defensive use go to a local dojo . There are many forms like Taekwondo, Karate etc. Talk to the instructor and see if he-she can help. While my son was moving through the belts we saw many different forms using staffs and canes.
The history of many of the weapons use came from being oppressed by governments that did not permit the commen man to possess swords, bows etc.

 

Have a hickory walking stick for walks in the woods, and a Blackthorn cane for other areas.

 

So sorry to hear about your illness, I know a few VN vets who are suffering also. I do a lot of hiking and backpacking in the mountains and have never taken to using a walking stick. Getting up in age though so I may try one. I have been interested in getting a hardwood cane though. Actually thinking of making my own with some very sharp striking corners in certain areas. Mostly for if I ever take another miserable airline flight again. Such a pain in the ass these days I'd rather walk.
I would suggest getting a cane with a hooked handle, that way the idiot tsa people or anyone anywhere else can't legally take it from you.

 

I don't know how much you can spend, but on the high end of the custom cane market for self defense, I can recommend a few

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...=2ahUKEwiqj_Cuza6JAxXwEVkFHW9HMLw4ChAWegQIKhAB&usg=AOvVaw00w25nnii17ZG4n5BPE-al this is for Burger Sword Canes, very high end and can be passed down. This is my personal top pick for quality and craftsmanship. Very customizable. Very expensive.

Swords of Northshire is more middle of the road, but can get just as expensive depending on the type of steel you want as these are hand forged as well

Swords for Sale

Shop a wide range of authentic katana, wakizashi, odachi, tachi, and ninja swords for sale. Plus tanto knives and more. Design your real custom sword!

www.googleadservices.com

The Cane Masters do defensive walking Canes and it's the cheapest option.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ed=2ahUKEwiFrtauz66JAxXUE1kFHdOlMl8QFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3MeQznFNwYsdAIpSSszAjs

[/URL]

Hope these help!

 

I don't know how much you can spend, but on the high end of the custom cane market for self defense, I can recommend a few

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...=2ahUKEwiqj_Cuza6JAxXwEVkFHW9HMLw4ChAWegQIKhAB&usg=AOvVaw00w25nnii17ZG4n5BPE-al this is for Burger Sword Canes, very high end and can be passed down. This is my personal top pick for quality and craftsmanship. Very customizable. Very expensive.

Swords of Northshire is more middle of the road, but can get just as expensive depending on the type of steel you want as these are hand forged as well

Swords for Sale

Shop a wide range of authentic katana, wakizashi, odachi, tachi, and ninja swords for sale. Plus tanto knives and more. Design your real custom sword!

www.googleadservices.com

The Cane Masters do defensive walking Canes and it's the cheapest option.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ed=2ahUKEwiFrtauz66JAxXUE1kFHdOlMl8QFnoECB0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3MeQznFNwYsdAIpSSszAjs

[/URL]

Hope these help!

I have a Zatoichi sword cane. It's unusable for a few reasons and I wouldn't recommend.
It's heavy, you have to add a rubber bottom so you don't bugger the wood up, and the sword rattles in the saya.

Zatoichi Sword | Film & TV Replica | Swords of Northshire

The Zatoichi Sword from Swords of Northshire is an exact copy from the Japanese series, Zatoichi?s Cane Sword. Shop historical replicas and more online here.

www.swordsofnorthshire.com

 

Thanks to a failed surgery on my heel a few years back i often use a cane when walking. I've found that the ones that Harbor Freight sells are just about perfect. Adjustable, collapsible, inexpensive, and sturdy. I do have a walking stick also that even has a slingshot built in to the "V" at the top, and a "magazine" to store marble "ammunition." It was a gift from a friend, but the cane is so much more useful.
For some reason i'm not being able to attach any pics, either of the cane or walking stick..

 

There used to be a spot behind my place where these small trees grew straight and about the same circumference. Most were 6 to 7 feet tall. I could cut a decent walking staff with a machete in a couple of minutes. Unfortunately there is a house there now.

 

I did that once in Florida.
Turned out it was an orange tree.
Hard as hell and too heavy. I still have it but it just sits there.

 

 

Sorry, don't know what happened there

 

Sorry to hear of your health issues. I used a cane for a period after an accident and that’s when I found out about the “fighting canes / defense canes”. I bought a stock man’s cane at the feed store and cut the end of hook at 45 degrees for a DIY defensive cane. Larger diameter and hardwood as opposed to the thin ones at the pharmacy stores. A much more cost effective solution than the marketed defense canes and essentialy the same thing.
From the necessity of needing it I discovered the utility and now take it when concealed carry is not an option. Has come in handy with a couple of aggressive stray dogs thus far So it is with me on any walks in the country now.

 

I found this one at a thrift store. I think it was about $5.00. I see them at arts festivals and flea markets but they are pricey most times. Nice to have when walking just in case a dog wants to start trouble.

 

Any one here use a walking stick when out and about in the woods, or a cane in town for better mobility?
I am a Vietnam veteran with agent orange cancer of prostate. Been treated since 09,radiation therapy and cryotherapy, keeps coming back. Latest treatment is meds that block testosterone to starve the cancer in the long run. A side effect is back pain, specifically sciatica. Started using a heavy cane and looking at getting a staff to keep more upright while walking. Have seen articles about fighting canes and staffs but I rely on ccw and there are places like government bldgs that forbid ccw. No one questions you having a cane in those places. IYKYK, welcome home my Brothers.

ALR, not sure if you ever get down to the SW corner of Missouri, I live in Bella Vista AR and build walking sticks for friends and family out of hickory, maple, oak, sycamore, apple and cedar. Basically whatever wood I can get my hands on. If you do, let me know and I'll bet I have one or two on hand that you would like.

 

I don't travel much in that direction but those look great!

 

I don’t have and advise on walking canes….
I just wanted to say Thank You for your service to this Country.
I’m very sorry to hear about the agent orange stuff. Out of my graduating class, three of my classmates have lost their fathers to this.

 

Thank you I still have class mates that are in bad shape. one is suffering from Parkinsons and another is riddled with cancer and getting worse each day. We connected after facebook became common. Even a couple of suicides in the mix, my brother being one. War is hell...

 

You might want to check out Cane Masters on YouTube and the Cane Masters website. These folks have some interesting approaches to cane self defense. When in town I carry a pocket revolver and pepper spray but the cane idea might make a lot of sense while traveling.

 

I don’t need a cane yet, but my swordsmanship instructor started offering Cane for Self Defense which I have been taking for several months now. Like the other members suggest, I also recommend finding a dojo for this. The youtube videos are helpful, but it’s always nice to move in real space with an instructor. The techniques vary from basic to advanced and utilize moves from multiple weapons like sword, tonfa (night stick) and reinforce/amplify basic self defense moves uou probably already know from your service.

 

Sorry to read about your Agent Orange cancer problems. So far I don't have any AO related problems; I was in Nam 9 months. My younger brother was in Nam (Marine Corp F-4 Phantoms), he had prostate cancer, PTSD, and the second bought of brain cancer (glioblastoma) killed him in Feb 2022. The VA does not recognize (own up to) brain cancers having a linkage to Agent Orange. Yet, a very good friend who I hunted with for years also died of brain cancer; he had been in artillery in Vietnam. There are a number of good videos on You Tube about walking canes, defensive canes and how to use them, features of canes that can be used for defense.

 

Thanks for your service. Hopefully I can go on for a few more years as Dr said others on this med are still going I think 10 years.

 

I have a serious back issue that impedes my walking. I had surgery 4 years ago and it helped relieve pressure on my sciatic nerves but some stenosis and nerve inflammation continues to persist. In the house, I don't use a cane but when I leave the house I take my drugstore cane with me. If I have to negotiate high curbs , long walks to my destination or uneven ground, the cane is really helpful in avoiding stumbles or falls. The cane also speeds my gait as I don't have to worry about balance. As mentioned above, it is encouraging to see how helpful and considerate total strangers can be when they see that you have some disability.

When I am out in the woods , pastures and certainly when I walk down to the creek behind our home ( a steep slope down to creek) to feed the critters, I use a hiking stick. Without these simple tools, my mobility would be limited and my life quality somewhat diminished. Early on I was a bit embarrassed as I have always been very physically active but I have finally accepted my situation and continue on as best I can.

T.S.

 

I have a serious back issue that impedes my walking. I had surgery 4 years ago and it helped relieve pressure on my sciatic nerves but some stenosis and nerve inflammation continues to persist. In the house, I don't use a cane but when I leave the house I take my drugstore cane with me. If I have to negotiate high curbs , long walks to my destination or uneven ground, the cane is really helpful in avoiding stumbles or falls. The cane also speeds my gait as I don't have to worry about balance. As mentioned above, it is encouraging to see how helpful and considerate total strangers can be when they see that you have some disability.

When I am out in the woods , pastures and certainly when I walk down to the creek behind our home ( a steep slope down to creek) to feed the critters, I use a hiking stick. Without these simple tools, my mobility would be limited and my life quality somewhat diminished. Early on I was a bit embarrassed as I have always been very physically active but I have finally accepted my situation and continue on as best I can.

T.S.

Very good thanks for encouragement on uses

 

Years ago our neighbor who was a really wealthy man, had worked around the world and filled his home with the most unique treasures of the orient, had a gun cane. No idea of the caliber, but it was very well crafted and worked well. It had a two step firing process so you could not accidentally discharge it. I believe it was .45 Auto. It was not a cheap .22 cane. It was black and silver and the handle was a T shape and you had to pull a lever under the handle to access the trigger.

 

I don't need a cane, but I have thought about getting a stick from McCaffery in Ireland. He makes blackthorn walking sticks as well as Shillelaghs. You could definitely use these as a self defense weapons. Is that an Irish martial art?

Blackthorn Walking Sticks & Shillelaghs by McCaffrey Crafts

Authentic Blackthorn Walking sticks & Shillelaghs handmade in Ireland by Francis McCaffrey a 5th Generation Blackthorn Shillelagh Maker.

mccaffreycrafts.com

 

Blackthorn makes a great stick. But give a lot of thought to what features you want in a stick. If you only want it for support or for show, it can be rather light--10-12 ounces. I see a lot of ornamental sticks in antique shops like this. They are good for support and light to carry, but if you were to swing one of those, even against an open hand, it would be easy to break.

I realize that the best way to parry with a stick is to lunge and poke it, rather than to strike with it, but I also think a defensive stick should be able to survive a substantial blow to a knee or a shin., if necessary I don't think the lighter ones will.

Look at sticks made from hickory or oak to get an idea of wood density and strength. Those woods are stronger and of a more substantial weight. You should be able to find some older crook neck canes in those two woods to familiarize yourself with. Get an idea of how they heft and how resistant they are to bending, say across your thigh.

I am reluctant to carry a wooden stick of less than 16 oz for defense. I don't think anything less than that will be strong enough or hefty enough for me. I made my two favorite sticks from the same stalk of American Hornbeam. One weighs 19 oz and the other 26 ounces. Neither will even flex when I try to bend it over my knee. And I have no doubt I could swing either one completely through a watermelon.

At less than 12 oz, striking with a stick is like striking with a switch. It will sting a lot and may break, but it won't do any significant damage to a knee, a shin, or a rib. You may only get one such strike in, if the stick breaks. I put most light antique shop canes in this category.

The Cold Steel sticks and canes made from either polycarbonate or fiberglass are hefty and will not break. They are at a good price point between $50-90. There are plenty of online videos showing what they are capable of. However, some of them are larger in scale than I care for. If I were going for a Cold Steel stick, I would choose the City Stick.

Blackthorn is a strong, dense wood. They are also expensive, hand made, and need to be shipped in from Ireland. These will set you back $100-200 or more. Ask yourself if you want the "thorn" nubs on your stick or not. In other words, how aggressive do you want it to appear? Many of the blackthorn sticks are primarily intended for style, walking support, or at most, whacking a dog. Most of the ones I've seen aren't heavy enough (for me) for my defensive purposes. BUT, fortunately, if you're ordering one online, most of the descriptions include the length and the weight of each stick. Make sure your stick is at least 37" (you can cut it shorter if you want) and weighs at least 500 grams ( 13.5 ounces). Better would be close to 600 grams--20 ounces.

I haven't personally examined any blackthorn sticks over 500 grams in weight to see how rigid they are, but extrapolating from the lighter ones I've seen (around 400 grams) they should be substantial enough for defense.

Blackthorn makes a good looking stick.

Good luck.