[wuluf]

I'm really enjoying the Cane thread. Fashionable Canes has a Beechwood cane that is inexpensive at $21.00. I'd rather not spend more, so my question is, is beech a hard enough wood for cane and possible self defense use? Let's go out on a limb and get to the root of the question. Thanks, Rob

[Deltaboy]

Might be a little lite; But I know that ash , Hickory and Oak will get the job done.

How big around is that cane.

[junior geezer]

white wax wood would prove first rate; don't know if it could be formed into the shape of a cane.

[Lee Lapin]

white wax wood

Cold Steel used to sell white wax wood crook handle canes, I still have one and it's among my favorites. They haven't offered them for several years now, and I don't know any other company which sells one. Several places (Bud K, etc) sell wax wood staffs or drill swords for MA training, but I haven't seen any canes for a while now.

Beech and birch are used for some less expensive gunstocks, if it's close grained enough for that, it ought to do OK for a cane. I generally use oak or hickory stock canes from farm supply wholesalers for making up canes for folks, they're widely available, tough and inexpensive. A little more weight to the wood is not a bad thing, I think.

lpl

[bikerdoc]

Wuluf/
beech is a medium to hard wood with a tight grain. Should be OK.
Ever think of making your own?

[wuluf]

I have many skills. Wood working, sadly is not among them!

[Deltaboy]

Use hardwood dowl rods for straight walking canes or add a handle on them.

[glistam]

I can definitely vouch for white waxwood. My main walking stick is a straight one made from a shaft I got from a martial arts supplier. No woodworking really: just saw to length, put a rubber cane tip on the bottom and a suitable knob on top.

Its come to bare in a few...'altercations' and the wood is astoundingly tough. It's hit concrete, metal and shins, and survived without even a crack.