First time with a cane

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JimStC

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I was called for jury duty. As in most courthouses, if not all, no knives, sticks, guns or "any" weapon allowed. Today was the day. I left my knives and other tools at home and ventured out with my Irish Blackthorn cane for the first time.
It went great. Not even a question from the officers at the metal detection device. Passed through, no problem.
Here is an ironic fact. My Eskrima trainer was called for the same jury pool. He saw me with the cane and I "educated" him, as opposed to the knowledge flowing the other way. He was quite impressed.
I even got chosen for jury duty after voir dire. Unfortunately it ended in a mistrial before I was able to hear all the witnesses. I actually enjoyed the experience.
One technical issue I need to consider. I do actually have a minor limp on the left side but I carried the cane on the right side as I am right handed. No one noticed or said anything. Again, a truly neat experience: a weapon in plain sight.
Pretty darn cool!
 
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You can use your 'cane' with one hand exactly like an Escrima stick if you choke up on it by about a third. just make sure that the extra 10 inches or so does not hit your upper arm.
 
Owen, thanks. I completely agree. All five offensive strikes (basic) are very smooth with the cane as I have practiced with it. My heavy bag and one of my birch trees don't like me anymore:D.
My cane is 36" and my sticks are 28". I grip my sticks at 3", my cane at 6" and it feels comfortable.

Jim
 
You use a cane opposite the injured leg when using one as taught by a PT so carrying opposite is appropriate.

Having 3 knee surgeries I have a lot of practice.
 
I too took my cane to town for the first time yesterday. Not to the courthouse, but to University, and to various shops and cafes. I'm young (26), but only one person asked about it and that was because he assumed I had hurt myself over the summer. I rather expected a lot of weird looks, but got none.

A member of this forum very kindly sent me an antler crown, and I got a length of natural hickory by buying a cheap "hiking staff" from Sportsman's Warehouse and cutting the straightest section out. The single tine on the antler crown gives me a hook that lets me hook my cane over my arm if I need both hands to use my wallet, for instance. I've found it sits quite nicely between my messenger bag and my body, where it is out of the way but quick to get to, while leaving my right hand free for opening doors etc.

It's a strong, straight stick, light enough for using in one hand for reach but strong enough that I can use it in two hands to grapple with. There's no rubber tip on it (although I'm looking to get a brass ferrule with a very small rubber tip at some point), so strikes with the end should be highly unpleasant. The balance is comparable to a broadsword, so it feels very familiar indeed in my hand. The weight probably isn't far behind a sword, either.

Thanks all for the stick enthusiasm. I like the result, and have no doubt that I am now better armed for it.
 
EIA,
Hickory is nice wood. All six of my Eskrima sticks are hickory and they take a beating.
Do you have a pic of your cane? Sounds very nice.

Jim
 
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When you need a cane due to a leg injury, you learn how to use it. But you still have to think about what you're doing or you trip over the darn thing. Think I'll take mine along with me tomorrow. :)
 
My cane is 36" and my sticks are 28". I grip my sticks at 3", my cane at 6" and it feels comfortable.
Click to expand...

Being of average height this is EXACTLY the same deminsions that I require.
 
Doc,
Isn't that the truth. Had a young lady for whom I was opening the door comment that she was going to open the door for me. I smiled and said thanks but looks can be deceiving......
Only armed person in there other than the deputies.

Jim
 
Once you get past the fact that nobody cares then you realize nobody even notices. Don't worry about what side you have your cane on. I change hands often no ever asks why because no one is paying any attention. And besides, you could be carrying a cane because of something like temporary inner ear trouble that has nothing to do with your legs.
 
Deltaboy, it was definitely cool. She had no idea. I did appreciate her deference though.

Owen. I agree. It is such a low recognition weapon. No one is evaluating my use, except the potential aggressor.

Went to my Eskrima training today (how the heck do you spell this word? Seen it with "c" and "k").
Didn't use the Blackthorn but we did work on what to do when the aggressor grabs the cane. That was motivated by Carl's thread.
Worked on double sticks( siniwalli- sp??) and the six count standard drill. A very good day. Going back tomorrow to see my trainer with an LEO do some fast movements. I will get thrown into the training too. Really looking forward to it.
Was planing to go fishing but my fishing partner (wife) thought I should train instead. Married smart and lucky.

Jim
 
JimStC said:

Owen. I agree. It is such a low recognition weapon. No one is evaluating my use, except the potential aggressor.
Click to expand...

That is because most people never think of a cane as a weapon. This is sort of a reverse psycology of the problem we have with the gun control advocates. They see objects as good or evil based on the intent of the maker. How many times have you heard "But assault weapons are made to kill people."? The truth is that people like you or I would be harmless with a machine gun unless attacked, while someone like Hanibal Lector would be dangerous with a tooth pick.
 
I live in the South also and that is just part of carrying a cane here. People go way out of their way to hold the door for you.
 
Yep there was a lot of cane usage in the South and again after WW 1&2 then Korea and Nam. As I heard my Grandma tell the girls of the family you always open a door or hold it open for anyone with a cane because they deserve your respect and honor.
 
A predominance of enlisted men come from the Southern states. It has to do with Scotts-Irish ancestery. We are either soldiers, drunks or musicians or usually some combination. Right now I am cleaning a shotgun, enjoying a Bass ale and listening to the classic rock station. Coencidence? I think not.
 
Yep I done cleaned up my carry piece and reloaded it and sharped 3 kitchen knives for the wife. Drinking Sweet tea and Lemonade 1/2 and 1/2 and watching Ice Road Truckers after a good day at Church. My Right leg seems to be getting worse with each passing month so I will be caning full time by the end of the year.
 
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