Canes for self defense

[7shooter]

I have taken some classes in the use of canes for self defense. One does not have to be a ninja or young to make effective use of this legal everywhere tool. One of my firearms instructors brings a carbon fiber cane ( will break cinder blocks ) when he flies. Another always carries the same cane when he goes to the mall even though he also has a pistol. Both are decorated Viet Nam vets and retired law enforcement.

I read a research article a number of years ago about the decreased frequency of muggings for elderly who carry a cane. There is an area of contention as to whether a straight cane with out the traditional curved handle is superior to the curved handle models. I lean toward the curved models because they can be used to capture necks, arms ,legs, and who can forget the groin. However the straight cane does seem faster to deploy .

Here is a link to a relevant and interesting article :
Seniors self-defense with a little cane scrutiny

 

[claudel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL0Y-GhU2Io

Now that's a self-defense cane...

 

[texmex]

Sword cane even better unless you live in one of the socialist states.

 

[legelegel]

It is illegal to conceal or open carry a sword cane or switchblade knife in Oklahoma.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYD_EsIwWEw

 

[legelegel]

Stun Gun 950.000 Volts With Spike Electrodes With Ultra Bright LED Flashlight

Closed Lehgth 29" - Extends to 56" - Total Weight With Batteries 18 oz.

Includes 3 lithium CR123A batteries, wrist strap, extra end cap and removable reflective band

2 Year Warranty USA Patent Pening Design

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TLq0J-fQfk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Pas2bP0Ing

 

[Amp]

I'll keep my cane for walking, and keeping me steady.
Also keeps me steady if I must shoot.

 

[clang444]

In the 1800s, Remington made cane guns.

 

[7shooter]

One of the first police departments in the U.S. ( Boston P.D. ) issued 6 foot long blue canes to their officers. I've tried to find photos of one but haven't been able to. They are described as looking like the traditional shepherds crook.

I wonder if that is where the phrase " Hook em and book em " came from.

 

[Old cop]

Most of the products above are illegal in my state. That said I need my cane, a light alloy adjustable thing, to walk & maintain balance. If I tried to use it to strike with I'd no doubt topple over.

 

[JohnSW]

For more articles on the subject, Google/Bing "Cane Fu".

 

[Protected One]

A cane can be a very effective weapon in the hands of someone with even limited training. In my opinion, the curved handle style is the better way to go. It adds another potential use to the cane - tripping device.

 

[Adk.IBO]

I really like the idea of a cane or walking stick, especially when traveling to say Pittsburgh where my current CC permit is not valid. Came across these- oldeshillelagh.com made in Ireland. Custom fit, different styles, lead filled option, pricey but I still like them. As I age and get slower and less agile I would like to have one. Also my new son in law (Pittsburgh) has requested no firearms in his home. We went to a Penguins game and my comfort level was low in the parking garage. Zero help against someone with a gun, anything else, different story.

Stay safe, John

 

[wheelyfun66]

Best of all, the Americans With Disabilities Act makes it illegal for Law enforcement to even ASK you why you have a cane!

Don't get me wrong, I am a fervent LEO supporter, but what I mean is....in a place that restricts the law abiding citizen from carrying a weapon for self defense (NYC, DC, NJ, MA, etc...) I still feel the need for any self defense tool that is legal.

I practice Japanese Sword Arts, and a cane is a natural extension of the tactics/moves/mindset that I am familiar with.

So, even though I am only 48 yrs old......A cane accompanies me to NYC and all the other Fascist states!

 

[fredj338]

Anything can be used as an effective weapon, if you know & have had a little training with it. I once told my teenage sons if I had to I could disable or kill with a rolled up magazine. They laughed until we did a little mock demo. Yep, a solid hardwood cane is a good tool if you know what to do with it. So is a pocket knife, metal ball point pen, etc. My hair is now grey enough, maybe time to go looking for a good cane.

 

[explorer13421]

Kabar makes an aluminum cane in its TDI line of products. Very strong, knurled grips on the shaft.

 

[WR Moore]

I really like the idea of a cane or walking stick, especially when traveling to say Pittsburgh where my current CC permit is not valid.

PA had (haven't been back in quite a few years) a law that the various municipalities can't pass firearms laws (state pre-emption). Or, at least they have no legal force. Now, if you simply want to avoid being a test case, can't blame you. You might want to check with the PA State Police on this.

Used to be Philly that had such delusions of being above the law.

Also my new son in law (Pittsburgh) has requested no firearms in his home.
Stay safe, John

Didn't say anything about when about town now, did he? FWIW, I was the intended victim of an armed robbery in front of the Federal Courthouse some decades ago (1130 AM on a Tuesday).

 

[7shooter]

Cold Steel has a carbon fiber cane ( not a blade ) which is well balanced and easy to handle. Worth a look.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Don't know about legal but as far as "cool" goes, check out what Smith357 made.http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearms-knives-other-brands/391222-hatchet-walking-cane.html

 

[shouldazagged]

I have to use a cane to walk any distance, but can stand without it. Mine is aluminum with a padded offset horizontal handle. The traditional hook-curved handle hurts hell out of my arthritic hands. I have used the cane to clobber a large dog that was attacking my little rat terrier. A couple of very hard whacks on his head, gripping the cane just below the handle, stopped the attack so that I wasn't forced to shoot the animal.

I can see how it might come in handy against a human aggressor if needed, but I always carry a gun.

 

[Absalom]

Makes a lot of sense. It would give you some non-lethal options in cases where drawing your gun might be overkill. And if nothing else, toss it at your assailant with your off-hand as you draw; he's almost guaranteed to miss even if he shoots first; the protective reflex is pretty much impossible to overcome if a large stick is suddenly flying at you.

 

[mc5aw]

If you carry a cane for self defense purposes, you best know the fundamentals of stick fighting. A cane by itself for the uninitiated or inexperienced is simply another tool that can be turned against the owner.

 

[John R]

I know a guy that carries a cane in .38 caliber.

 

[Maddog 521]

How about the oak canes. Will they hold up like the aluminum ones? Has anyone had to use an oak one in self defense?

 

[Rangerone]

This is Mark Shuey's site. I bought several of his canes when he first started out about 15 years ago. Superb quality at that time, although I have not handled any of his current production.

Cane Masters!, Walking Canes for mobility, self-defense, exercise and rehabilitation

 

[Fastbolt]

Helps to know how to use them.

Helps to have the strength, coordination and balance to wield one against an attacker.

Helps to have one that lends itself to the particular owner's ability to make use of it as a defensive tool.

I've long been a collector of various canes, sticks, staffs, walking sticks, etc.

They actually came in handy when I found myself needing one for support when I was going through a 6 month course of chemo, and then whenever a problem might flare up with my left hip & knee. (No damage to the hip or knee, aside from the usual accumulation of things that have occurred during what my doctor charitably called my "rough & tumble life".) She rather made it sound like some age-related arthritis, and some ilium remodeling at one spot, were something akin to a badge of honor of having been active.

I still like to collect them, and occasional take one out for a spin, especially if I'm doing something where I'm not going to be armed with a retirement CCW.

One of my early stout walking sticks actually prevented me from breaking an ankle while hiking underground in a cave (alone, of course, but it was when I was a younger, less cautious man ). That one only gets taken out when I'm going to be off the pavement, and outside town, as it has a pointed steel spike on the business end ... but it does usually reside close to one or another doorways in our home.

I rather expect that as I reach my 70's & 80's, I'll probably find them of more practical benefit.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Also my new son in law (Pittsburgh) has requested no firearms in his home.

I would get a new son-in-law. Problem solved. Chances are 50% or higher that your daughter will eventually come to the same conclusion.

 

[SAFireman]

I have a cattle sorting stick that is a similar size & shape to a cane (made of really tough wood too). It has made more than a few believers out of unruly bovines

When/If I get older, I would gladly educate unruly wayward youths with it too

 

[Adk.IBO]

I have a cattle sorting stick that is a similar size & shape to a cane (made of really tough wood too).

My father was a farmer for 50 years and my grandfather before him. You may be surprised to find out about that "really tough wood". He had hired men that worked for him and one that he had gave me a surprise I'll never forget. I walked in to the shop for machinery maintenance and hanging from the ceiling was this 4' pink thing with I'd say a 25lb weight hanging from it. About maybe 3/4" to 1" in diameter and a turned up end at the bottom where the weight was wired on. I could not for the life of me imagine what it was. The hired man had just recently butchered a bull and explained that the "bull" part after it dried would be schellacked and used as a cane.

Keep in mind this was probably around 50 years ago so the dimensions may be off.


Stay safe, John

 

[Muss Muggins]

Anything can be used as an effective weapon, if you know & have had a little training with it. I once told my teenage sons if I had to I could disable or kill with a rolled up magazine. They laughed until we did a little mock demo. Yep, a solid hardwood cane is a good tool if you know what to do with it. So is a pocket knife, metal ball point pen, etc. My hair is now grey enough, maybe time to go looking for a good cane.

I am the weapon. That other stuff is just tools.

 

[Fastbolt]

I am the weapon. That other stuff is just tools.

I've pulled a line to that effect when encountering an occasional "No Weapons" sign, where I was known and knew the people at the entrance, saying I couldn't go past it.