For the past few weeks, my knee has been acting up. I've periodically had tendinitis in it over the years, but not like this in a long time. I've been popping ibuprofen and trying to take it a little easier, but a couple of times, it felt like it was going to collapse on me. It's feeling better now, but I still get some pains if I move wrong. It got me to thinking that I might look into getting some sort of cane, just to have on standby.
A couple weeks ago, I posted a series on prepping and defense while traveling. The Cold Steel Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick
caught my eye. If you fly, TSA can't question your "handicap" or lack thereof. It's unassuming and non-threatening. It will look pretty smooth hiking around the Highland Games in me kilt. And you can bust a cinder block (or other object) wide open if needed. Check out this video from Cold Steel.I went ahead and ordered one, and have been experimenting with it. First off, it looks good. At a casual glance, it looks like a fine wood walking stick. It's 37.5" long. I'm just barely 6 feet, and it could stand to be another 1/2 inch or so longer for me. If you're much over 6 feet, you might need to look for another product. If you are about 5'9"-5'11" I think it will be just about perfect. If you've never walked with a cane and plan to use it on a flight, practice some first. It's really an awkward movement if you're not used to it.
It definitely needs a rubber tip
. It's kind of slick, especially on hard floors. I'll pick a couple up at a drug store this week.This walking stick will certainly have a place in my preps. It will always be on standby if I need it for an injury; I'll have it available for traveling unarmed; and I'll keep it in my truck kit if I need to hike home. Not to mention, when I get a couple more years on me, I can stand on my front porch and wave it around while I yell at kids to get out of my yard.
Excellent choice and that sucker looks like it can be pretty deadly.
ReplyDeleteJust read the review. Very nice. I've made several walking sticks/canes in the past . First off pick the rubber tips @ the hardware store their cheaper. To adjust the height (a little) slip some washersinside the ferrule before you put it on. Add a little silicone and you'll never loose it but is easy enuf to get off for replacement.
ReplyDeleteBVDD - hope I never find out, but I agree!
ReplyDeleteKen - thanks for the tip, wish I read it a couple hours ago... I got two tips at Walgreens for $3.99. I used a touch of dish soap to get it on, and it adds about 1/2 inch, almost perfect now.
Hee Hee, thanks for the "tip" no pun intended
ReplyDelete