I know several guys who could put you in the hospital and in physical therapy for a long time with nothing but a stout hickory cane even if you are carrying a handgun - if your attacker makes the mistake of getting close enough to you. It is a serious weapon in trained hands. Most Instructors will stress heavily that you learn the fine line between injuring someone with your cane - or killing them. And it is a fine line. Usually one good strike will take most of the fight out of them and allow you to walk away.