[shephard19]

I think these weapons are really cool, and most people would not notice that it is a weapon. The blades are usualy long enough to make them an effective stabbing weapon. I have always thought of them as a gentlemen's weapon... thoughts?

[Dr. Fresh]

They're cool, but I doubt they're legal to carry most places.

[bigfatdave]

Just get a CC permit.
As nifty as a sword cane would be if done right, most of them are pretty obvious and a lousy blade, too.
Does anyone know of a non-obvious quality one that won't make people wonder why someone under 55 is walking with a cane?

[Clermont]

Possession of a sword cane in New York State is illegal.

[hso]

We have discussed sword canes in the past and there are 3 conclusions that have been drawn.

Good ones that don't scream "cheap sword cane" are as expensive as a good sword (which makes sense when you think about it).

They are illegal to carry in most states.

A good cane isn't illegal to carry and with the least bit of training makes a very effective legal self defense tool. They're also a tiny fraction of the cost of a good sword cane.

[bigfatdave]

That's a good point, hso ... the value, sturdiness, and legality of a good bonkin' stick are not to be ignored.

[Beelzy]

Cpld Steel makes a nice one with a Cruciform blade. It would be pretty slick cut down to
Dagger length IMO.

Sword canes are un-wieldy due to the needed clearance to draw them. Unless you
present an attacker with the scabbard hoping he will pull on it allowing "him" to draw
your blade. ;-)

[Speedo66]

Cpld Steel makes a nice one with a Cruciform blade. It would be pretty slick cut down to
Dagger length IMO.

Sword canes are un-wieldy due to the needed clearance to draw them. Unless you
present an attacker with the scabbard hoping he will pull on it allowing "him" to draw
your blade. ;-)

In which case you've just handed him a club. :uhoh:

[agent slice]

I myself prefer a reguler walking stick because if you get caught with a sword cane you will probely get labeled a :cuss: tereist for the rest of your life!

[Texas Gun Person]

I have seen a few canes that have a carbon fiber... spike thing that you can use as a weapon. The cane comes apart just like a sword cane, but it's just a carbon fiber rod/spike. Would make for a good stabbing weapon I suppose.

[Mike OTDP]

Hard to get a good sword cane. Berger Knives makes what are reputed to be the best, but they are expensive...and I never liked the blades. Too short.

[JShirley]

I'd buy a good 1" phenolic rod (http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=40904&catid=679) (probably about $25-40, but may take some looking to find a place that'll let you buy a single piece), about 3' long. Add a nice ornamental head and a brass ferrule, and you should still have less than $100 in a cane that should last hundreds of years, looks like wood, and is stronger than anything except metal.

John

[grumps]

Thanks for the link to them. After you mentioned them beforeI tried a bit of a search but didn't find where to get a single rod before. How heavy are they? I just got some Texas ebony 66lbs per cubic foot (heavier than water) so the cane should be right about 1 1/2 lb's or so ( if my math is correct) after I mill it to 1 1/2" top to 1 1/4" tip, put an L shaped handle on. I would like something heavier. Also does it drill and work like wood or more like metal?

[shockwave]

I keep a sword umbrella in the car. My recommendation would be to avoid sword canes and similar unless you have training and practice in the use of the weapon.

[JShirley]

grumps. CE (micarta) phenolic rods are about 3x as heavy as comparable wood, but much lighter than steel. As far as working it, ask one of the knifemakers here. They can tell you about canvas micarta.

[grumps]

Thank you sir, I enjoy the learning part of new things. I'll try one out for size and see how it works.

[hso]

Micarta works similar to wood, but because it is a resin/fiber composite it's a bit tougher. Think epoxy+cotton cloth layed up.

[grumps]

I will get 3"-4" on one end worked down to 5/8" diameter and use a forstner bit on a wood L shaped handle and epoxy them. Maybe use a 1/4" hardwood dowel through the handle and shaft for extra holding, a brass or stainless steel ferrule with a removable rubber tip for pavement and indoor use. Thank you gentlemen.