Canes for self defense

Post # 24 has a link to a company, Cane Masters, that offers canes
and training videos.

For way WAY less (~$40 or so), I get handcrafted solid hickory livestock canes made by the Amish from Lehmans in Ohio.

If you have the slightest woodworking skills and a rat tail file, you can put your own finger grooves (for grip), wherever and how deep your preference is. Lehmans offers both a 36" length or, a 62" length, if you really want to reach out and touch someone.

IIRC, Canemasters pretty much start at over $100. It's been a couple of years since I last visited the site.

Just google Lehmans Hardware, they specialize in turn of the century hand powered stuff.

Rob
 
Among the family heirlooms dating back to the early 19th century were a couple items mentioned in this thread. One is a sward cane that my brother has now. I ended up with a shillelagh, light but as strong as steel with a large knob at the top. Can only imagine the damage it would do if someone got hit with it. Still in excellent shape other than missing the brass cap that went on the narrow end. The shillelagh might be close to 200 years old. Still good on my feet but a handy item to have around.
 
Cool thread to resurrect! :D

In 2015, when I first replied, sword canes and other bladed weapons were still illegal in Texas. They are not illegal any longer and have not been for two years as I recollect. Any knife is now legal to carry, machetes, Bowie knives, sword canes, etc. So that does permit me to carry my sword cane if I so choose.

I generally do not so choose. Too much hassle, because I have to push a very tight button to release the blade. There are better sword canes out there but since mine is 50 or more years old I'm fond of it and the time I spent with it in tough neighborhoods way back when. Never needed it but that's fine, too.

But, to use the term from the video, a "3 foot stick" makes an incredible weapon. And you can carry a cane anywhere and everywhere in the world and on any kind of transportation.

A word of caution - don't be an idiot. If you are somewhere between 18 and 40, standing straight and tall, with a thick head of dark hair, etc., and a young person's strong stride, don't think you won't draw attention if you carry a cane. You will. Not everyone is the world has his or her head up their duffel bag. Especially trained professionals. If you wouldn't wear a long overcoat in 90 degree August weather because you'll look like a criminal then you're smart enough to know that you look dangerous if you're in no way weak looking and you're sporting a cane.

Anyone can fake a limp - if you have to, then do that. Otherwise, don't look foolish.

The training master in the video talked about people not wanting to look old or infirm - but if you look deadly with your stick you will draw attention, even if you can get away with it when boarding a plane. At least act like you need the cane.

That said, if you're any kind of older looking you can always carry a cane of some kind. Just carry one that really looks like a medical device and not a weapon, and a woods walking stick might be out of place in downtown Big City Anywhere. Choose the right stick.

Another item to note - the canes in the video all had rubber tips on the end. THAT is the key to making a cane look like a medical device.

I have carried canes onto planes for many years. TSA never stops me although they often x-ray my sticks and, believe it or not, they sometimes have one of theirs to lend to me to walk through the metal detectors and then I give it back when I retrieve my stick from the conveyor belt.

Anywhere you go that 3 foot stick could be the difference between winning or losing a confrontation. ;)
 
I started using trekking poles for hiking and backpacking starting in the mid 90s, since so much of my job required backcountry patrols in steep terrain. They help with balance on rough surfaces and creek crossings, plus help take some of the stress off knees and hips. The serrated ski pole tips would create a painful distraction if used to fend off aggression and create distance.

About three years ago, I started having lower back issues that led to lumbar surgery in 2019, when I developed foot drop in my right foot. I was tripping on flat ground with that foot, and bought an adjustable, lightweight Leki cane that I used before the surgery, and for months during followup rehab. Like the trekking poles, it also has a sharp serrated ski pole tip for outdoor activities, and it comes with a rubberized tip cover for urban use. I noticed that folks generally tended to give me a wider berth when I carry the cane.

I still use the cane when sciatica flares up, and I wouldn't hesitate it to use it to create distance on anyone or anything that approached me aggresively. If someone were to wrestle with me over it, I'd let them take it, creating distance with my cc ready to bring into the situation, if necessary. Anyway, that's my plan. Always a good idea to have a final recourse that will end a serious threat.
 
Love those Cane Master Canes! I'm 70 years and walk with a cane so why not have something strong enough to use for more than walkin with? :D
 
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