..so I finally found a sword cane.

NoJo

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I've been hunting around the markets for a sword cane (or cane sword) over the months. They're illegal here, so you have to look for yourself, not ask the stallholder -- unless, like me, you've gained his confience through repeated visits.
They're not easy to notice, as an essential function of a good sword-cane is to be discrete.

But I found one this morning, in Portobello market. It was probably Australian, judging by the faux-Abbo crude carvings, and the unusual reddish brown wood.

The stallholder consipiratorially showed me a gun-cane (air gun), an ugly black hollow metal tube with a ridiculously obvious trigger below the too-small handle. popular with pub landlords, I was told.

But after a week of sliding in the mud in the park I was in no mood for novely items: The suction of the mud on the sword-cane would keep opening up the catch. And it's heavy, short, and too flexible for my liking. And the ridiculous gun-cane would end up plugged with clay.

In the end I plumped for a plain ebony walking stick, very light and fine, with a large curved bone handle. Victorian men were little; most Victorian canes are too short for me. But this stick was obviously specially built for the taller man, and is perfect.

I'm off for a fast stroll in the park.

http://ejmas.com/jnc/barton-wright/barton-wright1.9.gif
 
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Sub Joe said:
I've been hunting around the markets for a sword cane (or cane sword) over the months. They're illegal here, so you have to look for yourself, not ask the stallholder -- unless, like me, you've gained his confience through repeated visits.
They're not easy to notice, as an essential function of a good sword-cane is to be discrete.

But I found one this morning, in Portobello market. It was probably Australian, judging by the faux-Abbo crude carvings, and the unusual reddish brown wood.

The stallholder consipiratorially showed me a gun-cane (air gun), an ugly black hollow metal tube with a ridiculously obvious trigger below the too-small handle. popular with pub landlords, I was told.

But after a week of sliding in the mud in the park I was in no mood for novely items: The suction of the mud on the sword-cane would keep opening up the catch. And it's heavy, short, and too flexible for my liking. And the ridiculous gun-cane would end up plugged with clay.

In the end I plumped for a plain ebony walking stick, very light and fine, with a large curved bone handle. Victorian men were little; most Victorian canes are too short for me. But this stick was obviously specially built for the taller man, and is perfect.

I'm off for a fast stroll in the park.

http://ejmas.com/jnc/barton-wright/barton-wright1.9.gif


I have an excellent sword cane. The tip is brass, about an inch long and groved to keep it from sticking as easily in mud or clay. The caseing is a very finely grained oak. The handle is bone, with a good curvature and a round "bob" on the end. It looks to be for plaing in the palm when leaning on the cane, but actually functions as a counterbalance to the blede. The blade is long, thin and tapered, with extremly sharp edges and a wicked point.

The only problem I have with it as a cane or blade, is the steel is Damascus and keeping an edge on it is a nightmare.

The blade has a catch lock, that is convient to your hand, but unlikely to be opene accindeatally and thus, you don't have to worry about exposing the blade shold it become stuck in the mud or a grate.

I picked it up in new orleans at an estate sale. the owner obviously had no idea it was anything more than a cane as it was priced at only 3.00$ us :)
 
Colleen Thomas said:
I have an excellent sword cane. The tip is brass, about an inch long and groved to keep it from sticking as easily in mud or clay. The caseing is a very finely grained oak. The handle is bone, with a good curvature and a round "bob" on the end. It looks to be for plaing in the palm when leaning on the cane, but actually functions as a counterbalance to the blede. The blade is long, thin and tapered, with extremly sharp edges and a wicked point.

The only problem I have with it as a cane or blade, is the steel is Damascus and keeping an edge on it is a nightmare.

The blade has a catch lock, that is convient to your hand, but unlikely to be opene accindeatally and thus, you don't have to worry about exposing the blade shold it become stuck in the mud or a grate.

I picked it up in new orleans at an estate sale. the owner obviously had no idea it was anything more than a cane as it was priced at only 3.00$ us :)

Nice find Colleen. If looking after a Damascene blade is as difficult as looking after a katana, it still only a minor problem. Lovely blades, both of them. Although I prefer a katana.

I had a lovely walking stick for years. Had a clay head shaped like a eagle. Nice but wasn't the one I wanted. I had seen one the week before with a large lead pommel played over with brass.

Less obvious and prone to sudden revelation than a sword cane, and a mace is good in close quarters. ;)
 
Welll, here the boys just carry golf clubs. Apparently golf is very popular in the ghettos.
 
Even without the sword part of the cane, they are a very effective weapon for self defence. One of my personal favs.

Cane Masters
 
Colleen Thomas said:
The only problem I have with it as a cane or blade, is the steel is Damascus and keeping an edge on it is a nightmare.

Colly, give this stuff a try, it makes life so much easier. I have a Damascus folder, (not an expensive on, but it looks pretty good) and I was surprised at how well this product works. It was recomended to me by a guy I work with who collects antique firearms.

Rust Free
 
perhaps, joe, and this is only an idea....
this might be why women are so scared of your fast walk through the park. hrm...
 
vella_ms said:
perhaps, joe, and this is only an idea....
this might be why women are so scared of your fast walk through the park. hrm...

Shit, I was just about to say the same thing! :D


Pssst... a puppy would've helped more.
 
dr_mabeuse said:
Welll, here the boys just carry golf clubs. Apparently golf is very popular in the ghettos.

And baseball! Lots of ghetto dwellers carry baseball bats. although they seem prone to forget a ball and glove.
 
I've always wanted a sword cane. I just have a regular walking stick that is spiral and has groovy colors. I should actually use it since I can't walk right anyway. :rolleyes:
 
R. Richard said:
And baseball! Lots of ghetto dwellers carry baseball bats. although they seem prone to forget a ball and glove.
As long as they don't spit during the national anthem, I think that's okay.
 
ABSTRUSE said:
I've always wanted a sword cane. I just have a regular walking stick that is spiral and has groovy colors. I should actually use it since I can't walk right anyway. :rolleyes:

Is it filled with candy?
 
Properly used, the cane is a very effective self defense tool.

The cane is mainly used as a thrusting tool, rather than as a club. It is long enough to parry a knife and the metal tip (as per Colly's sword cane sheath) is a good striking tool. The cane is light for its length and can be moved rapidly to delflect an attacking weapon. It has enough length to thrust effectively without exposing the weilder to counter attack. Best of all, it is legal to carry, even for those who are not crippled. "I twisted my knee, officer. The cane really helps me to keep my weight off the painful joint."
 
Sub Joe said:
It all sounds very swinging sixties. Hang on to it. It may have belonged to Donovan.
Cool. I can sell it on Ebay and get a sword cane then.
 
R. Richard said:
Properly used, the cane is a very effective self defense tool.

The cane is mainly used as a thrusting tool, rather than as a club. It is long enough to parry a knife and the metal tip (as per Colly's sword cane sheath) is a good striking tool. The cane is light for its length and can be moved rapidly to delflect an attacking weapon. It has enough length to thrust effectively without exposing the weilder to counter attack. Best of all, it is legal to carry, even for those who are not crippled. "I twisted my knee, officer. The cane really helps me to keep my weight off the painful joint."

I'd only use mine to fight evil.
 
I have a beautiful cane with brass fittings, trim and tip, and an engraved oriental-style dragon in the wood. It can be disassembled and reassembled into a full length pool stick with every piece having a place so that nothing gets separated and/or lost. While I knew they existed, this was the first one I had ever come across. Its never been used and I keep it near my pool table as a decoration.

I've seen many cane swords and was tempted on occasion to purchase one. The one I liked the best was very ornamental and intricate in its engravings. The steel blade had been folded more than the usual number of times for such a blade to ensure greater strength. It would have cost me a bit more than $3500.00. I ended up turning it down being that it would've been incredibly impractical for me.

:cool:
 
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