I've been walking with a hickory cane for awhile now, not just because I have a limp but because despite it's image as an assistive medical device, it's a handy weapon. Now if you get one of those light weight aluminum deals, forget about it. But a good, solid wooden cane is three feet of pain for anyone who gets in your face.
It also has some distinct advantages over more 'traditional' weapons such as knives, guns, mace / OC spray.
1. It's a cane. You are not going to get shit from the Man for carrying a cane unless you tell him that you carry it to hit people, or you beat the shit out of someone with it without justification. If they take it away and you then fall and hurt yourself, they have a lawsuit on their hands because it's a medical device. It helps if you actually need the cane for getting around.
2. Reach. Most knives, at the very longest, are going to be around 8 inches. You have 36 inches to work with. A solid smack to the knee or wrist will give most people pause unless they are really intent on gutting your ass. I'm speaking from experience here. The outside of the knee, the meniscus (sp? anatomy?) or whatever is a great target. Just remember to follow through when you swing. They won't be running after you.
3. It's good for other shit. You can use it for a variety of things. That hook is useful for lots of stuff, it can be used as a lever in a pinch and it helps with walking. Even if you don't have a limp / aren't a gimp.
However the cane also has some disadvantages:
1. It's a cane. If you've been on the street you know the scumbags look for people who are weak. People with canes are generally weaker than those who do not need canes. This might make you more of a target. Alright, it WILL make you more of a target. Be aware.
2. It's three feet long and it's one more fucking thing you need to carry.
3. If someone takes your cane away from you, they now have a three foot stick to beat the shit out of you with. And if you need that cane to walk you're probably not running very far.
In any event, if you're looking for something that won't get you hassled by the Man look into getting a solid wooden cane. I've found it to be an excellent deterrent on the road. Then again I also carry sabre red OC spray and a knife.
Just in case.
It also has some distinct advantages over more 'traditional' weapons such as knives, guns, mace / OC spray.
1. It's a cane. You are not going to get shit from the Man for carrying a cane unless you tell him that you carry it to hit people, or you beat the shit out of someone with it without justification. If they take it away and you then fall and hurt yourself, they have a lawsuit on their hands because it's a medical device. It helps if you actually need the cane for getting around.
2. Reach. Most knives, at the very longest, are going to be around 8 inches. You have 36 inches to work with. A solid smack to the knee or wrist will give most people pause unless they are really intent on gutting your ass. I'm speaking from experience here. The outside of the knee, the meniscus (sp? anatomy?) or whatever is a great target. Just remember to follow through when you swing. They won't be running after you.
3. It's good for other shit. You can use it for a variety of things. That hook is useful for lots of stuff, it can be used as a lever in a pinch and it helps with walking. Even if you don't have a limp / aren't a gimp.
However the cane also has some disadvantages:
1. It's a cane. If you've been on the street you know the scumbags look for people who are weak. People with canes are generally weaker than those who do not need canes. This might make you more of a target. Alright, it WILL make you more of a target. Be aware.
2. It's three feet long and it's one more fucking thing you need to carry.
3. If someone takes your cane away from you, they now have a three foot stick to beat the shit out of you with. And if you need that cane to walk you're probably not running very far.
In any event, if you're looking for something that won't get you hassled by the Man look into getting a solid wooden cane. I've found it to be an excellent deterrent on the road. Then again I also carry sabre red OC spray and a knife.
Just in case.
