Walking/ Self Defense Stick?

W

Wasz

Joined
Oct 2, 2002
Messages
353
I've handled a Walkabout that someone bought from Cold Steel, but I'm 6'3" and need something a little longer. I'm looking for something that will be long enough for me to use while walking, rather than just look like I'm walking with a stick. I want something that will not break if I have to lean on it, or if I was to have to strike at a dog and hit the ground. I realize that a shovel handle fits my requirements, but I'd like something more designed for the purpose. An actual walking stick that I can depend on, looks decent and works for SD. Any ideas of places to purchase or just personal experience with a type of wood or design of stick would be very helpful.
 
Cold Steel also makes a white waxwood staff that's pretty long, and it's pretty easy to cut to fit. Otherwise, I think you might just simply go find a suitably thick and strong dowel of your preferred wood, sand and cut to fit.
 
For about 20 years I've been using a Irish Blackthorn stick because of an old service injury left me with a bum right ankle. I've collected four of them in differing shapes and size knob handles. Very strong, good looking sticks.

They can be found online.
 
My suggestion is, if you don't have any problems walking and want a self defense object, get an ASP, if its legal where you live. Or if you really want a walking stick, order a piece of South American Bloodwood and carve your own. Bloodwood is 2 or 3 times heavier than hickory and is every bit as durable. It also has the exact tint of blood, so it looks pretty cool. Just for fun I made a cane out of bloodwood and it would be a very effective weapon.
 
Google woodcarving clubs, you should find something close to you. Go to one of their meetings, and see if any carvers in your area make walking sticks. I've been doing it for some time, but the ones I've bought from carvers are extremely handy, and pretty to boot.
 
A short walk in the woods should net you a stick that will last a lifetime. Find a straight sapling of the desired thickness and is longer than you need. Dig around the base to expose the root. Cut the roots off 6" or 8" from the root ball. Take the stick home and put it up to dry. The extra length on the stick and roots will give you some leeway for "checking" (cracking) as the wood dries. After it is dry, cut it to length and shape the root ball into a knob. Always get permission before cutting. :thumbup:
Any hardwood is good. Myself, I like hornbeam.
 
BladeGoblin said:
Tom Anderson makes titanium walking/self defense canes I believe.
Click to expand...
Nope. It's a walking stick. More like a battle mace. Weighs about 10 lbs. :D
 
Great links guys, exactly the kind of stuff im looking for much appreciated. The folks here on bladeforums always seem to info on exactly what im looking for :D
 
Wasz said:
The folks here on bladeforums always seem to info on exactly what im looking for
Click to expand...

That's because we've planted a microchip in your brain. :D We're supposed to know what you want almost before you want it. ;)
 
Over the summer my GF and I were actually walking down the street where she lives, and were attacked by a dog. I used my left hand and put her behind me and I was actuall scared enough that I drew my knife without thinking as we moved quickly backwards we fell down a little embankment at the edge of the road. The owner was a B*tch and didnt even ask if we were ok when she came to get the dog almost right after we fell. She did however yell at me for yelling for someone to get this dog and failed to restrain the dog allowing to come back towards us while she yelled. (We called the cops) My GF has since moved to a new house and those people arent a problem anymore, but Im not going for a walk again without a good stick. If I had had to stab that dog it would have chewed me up pretty good while I did it. Ive never been that scared or angry in my life if I had found or already had a stick while it happened Im sure I probably would have killed that dog.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
So are canes and walking sticks.
Click to expand...

Legal, yes, in the strict sense of the word. But if you don't limp or aren't clearly in need of one, its possession by you may be questioned. I've seen it happen.

To my mind, an umbrella is both legal and innocuous. It is nearly invisible. I already carry one, anyway, albeit a tiny one. My having it is never questioned.
 
Second the wax wood staff from Cold Steel. I used this staff in Kung Fu with full contact blows to other staffs. It has held up very well with little wear.

Also take a look at the .62 cal Blow gun from Cold Steel. Hollow shaft with a ferral tip and capable of taking small game with the darts. I have a 5 foot one that seems pretty sturdy but really light. Low key looks most wouldn't notice it unless they saw you blowing a dart into an unknowing target. on the Cold Steel video he chops 1/4" plywood with it length wise and whacks full blast on a tire dummy until it finaly bend a little.

Badge54
 
Wasz,I use a blackthorn or a hog cane for casual walking and have a cold steel city stick for dress up occaisions(rare).I've also been thinking hard towards getting the cold steel walkabout just because.You live near Pittsburgh so you are close enough to drive to Rogers Ohio's flea mkt. There is a fellow there who sells hog canes and 5ft long cromaghs (long hog canes) that could be cut down to fit you perfectly.I'd suggest a trip there on a Friday morning before the weather gets too cold.He is located in one of the covered pavillions.Neat old guy to talk with.Hope this helps.tom. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top