Best material for walking stick and self defense

[ArfinGreebly]

Micarta

John,

Anyone making a walking stick or cane out of that stuff?

 

[JohnnyOrygun]

Around here we have lots of Madrone, I have a long piece I rescued from a bonfire. I use it as a walking/hiking stick occasionally. My question, if anyone is familiar with madrone, is it suitable for a walking/defense stick. I do use a cane because of hip problems, so it would not be out of place for me to use/have. Any experience with madrone?
Thanks.
JohnnyOrygun

 

[conw]

He told me a while back he was going to have them, what's the deal Shirley?!

 

[JShirley]

Corey, I replied to you on 2 May. The phenolic rods I found held up pretty well, but not as good as canvas. And they ended up being more than initially expected.

Arfin, there are a few places that one can order "rods" like this. You want between 1 and 1 1/14". The problem is if you're trying to find them longer than 3 or 4'.

Here's one example. They ain't cheap, but they are the best- and stronger than you.

John

 

[conw]

Yeah, yeah, I know, I just like to give you a hard time.

 

[SeanSw]

A good piece of ash will not disappoint. I found a great 5' ash pole at the hardware store that was obviously in another league of quality with quartersawn straight grain. Most of the sledge handles I come across are nothing special. In fact, I can't believe how many are warped and show grain runoff.

I made my best cane from a hickory sapling and a few nice ones from hazel, which is surprisingly hard and durable, though I don't know how shock resistant it is. The cheapest option is finding a farm store and buying the $10 crook canes from the horse supply section. They are stout and usually made of hickory.

 

[macka]

I have a zytel rod that I am going to reinforce with carbon fibre. I think I will cap the ends with a small brass knob, and a brass cap. Solid brass does a good number on noggins and rib cages.

If you haven't already read the books by Fairbairn called Get Tough how to win in hand to hand. It has a section on fighting with a stick. Its very basic, but easy to remember and when you get your adrenaline going you don't need to think a lot about fancy moves, just making the bad guy a target of your quick and painful means of escaping harm.

 

[gga357]

Most of the short (axes, sledges, picks) handles we sell are made of hickory. Longer ones (shovels, hoes, rakes) are ash.

 

[herksboss]

best stick

When you want a dependable stick for defense the only one I use is dogwood. Heavy, hard with perfect "feel" and balance - no other wood to me becomes a part of me where the flesh and wood merge into one.

 

[7X57chilmau]

Dogwood's an excellent choice too! Strong, dense and hard. Historically used for tool handles, skewers and horse-drawn cart harnessing parts....

J

 

[hso]

Welcome herksboss.