Types of Canes for Personal Defense


Every once in awhile I’ll get an email or a comment via social media in regard to my “Recommendation” of a cane as a personal defense tool. There is a fair history of me discussing the option on the internet or providing technique information via video or articles from the past decade or so. During the Valhalla Training Center era, I had the opportunity to study the use of the cane under Tom Forman, who had dedicated a significant amount of time to finding the most practical and efficient techniques for real world defensive scenarios amidst the plethora of traditional ‘martial arts’ cane information and adapting some fundamental straight stick work to the situation as well. His “Executive Cane Defense” program actually supplies the vast majority of the information that I have ever shared on the topic of a cane for personal defense.

The three most common questions/comments I get, and my responses, are as follows:

#1 “Thanks for discussing cane defense. I have **insert disability** and I must use a cane all the time. I feel much better knowing what to do!”

– While this is a great type of response to any information that an instructor puts out, I am always quick to follow up with two things. First, just because you’ve watched a video or read an article on cane defense, doesn’t mean you should instantly ‘feel better.’ You’ve got to practice to actually use the techniques! Second, especially if the comment is made publicly: The cane is NOT just a viable defensive option for people who need a cane for their everyday mobility.

#2 “Do you really carry a cane for personal defense?” or some version of “Do you fake a limp while you are carrying a cane for defensive use?”

–The answers are “yes” and “no.” I have carried a cane quite often with the intention of having it as a personal defense tool when I’ve been in environments where no other tool was an option; on airplanes, while traveling internationally and in major cities where I cannot carry a gun, for example. The hooked wooden cane is an outstanding “go anywhere” tool. But, no, you do not have to fake a limp while you are carrying it. In fact, there may be some significant deterrent effect of an able bodied person confidently striding through the streets with a three-foot stick in their hand.

#3 “What? Carry a cane for personal defense?? No thanks! I’ll stick to my **insert preferred firearm**!”

–Well, these commenters have clearly missed the point. My advocacy for the consideration of the cane as a personal defense option is certainly not to the exclusion of a firearm or other, arguably easier to use and more valuable in a worst-case-scenario, tool.

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25 Responses to “Types of Canes for Personal Defense”

  1. Brian Groves

    Noticed you didn't mention sword canes....curious as to why.

  2. Dennis

    Cane is an interest, non lethal ....

  3. Garrick Anderson

    Good videos!

  4. Fred

    I have used a special cane my Grandfather used. Inside is concealed a weapon when used properly can wound or kill - depending on your intent. It IS NOT a firearm and it was made in Germany during the Third Reich's era. To say here what it is would defeat its purpose. I feel quite safe in using it as a cane, a baton, or its concealed purpose. Canes look so innocent that the TSA probably would not inspect it. As a Senior, my cane has never been suspected for anything else except what it looks like.

  5. Gideon Rockwell

    I do have a disability that requires the use of a cane. When daily use of a cane became a necessity I turned to a company whose edged weapons I have carried for years Cold Steel and bought one of their Irish Blackthorn Walking Sticks and one of their African Walking sticks. I was trained in long baton tactics in the career I retired from and found that though larger diameter than my baton they lend themselves to most of the tactics and they are made of the same material, so they are almost indestructible. I also get many compliments on how nice they look. And I go everywhere armed with a firearm but still it nice to have a non-lethal option at hand.

  6. Tim

    I am 68 but very fit even thiugh I have had a knee replaced. I have had martial arts training but only to Blue Belt in Kung-fu. The cane defense will help me a lot.

  7. Tom

    As many have already noted, this video as presented here is obviously incomplete. PDN representatives have responded by telling us that this is all there is -- meaning that Rob wrote, filmed, and released a deliberately incomplete and deliberately deceptive video just to push sales. That approach is why I will never become a "member" of this scam.

  8. James R Eckman Sr.

    Although I am interested in the video. I myself use what’s called a super cane. And me personally being from the military I find it very very useful for close quarter defense if somebody was to come on me quickly. If you have any questions about it or would like to know more about the super cane. Please email me. I am not a spokesman for the company and I had a hard time finding it to begin with. I just happened to see somebody with one when I needed a good cane and ordered one direct from the manufacturer.

  9. Walter

    I’m a member and you cut video short???

  10. John

    Yes