I became interested in canes when I badly contused my ankle in June of 2002.  Since that time, my ankle has healed, but my enthusiasm for self-defense with the cane has not waned.  I first tried an inexpensive, plain walnut cane, then a Cold Steel City Stick.  I could not be more pleased, however, with the Cane Masters' Triple Grip I eventually purchased.

Think about it:  when you're carrying a cane, you're carrying a fighting stick with a crook on the end that can be used for trapping and hooking.  A cane is a great weapon for striking, tripping, and throwing an assailant.  (Cane Masters even markets instructional videos on using the cane.)

My Triple Grip is of hickory.  Beautiful in appearance and very smooth to the touch, its scallops are deeply grooved and provide a firm grip.  My teacher Dave, who is well versed in cane technique, found that the three grip portions were precisely were they needed to be.  His hand instinctively dropped to each as he ran through one of the cane forms he knows.

The cane is under three and a half inches in circumference (perhaps 1 and an eighth inches in diameter, very roughly) and about 38 inches high from the apex of the crook to the floor.  Mine is slightly offset in the crook, either as a result of normal manufacturing variances, intentional design, or warping.  In any event I find the way the crook curls to trap and hook exceptionally well.  The pointed tip is fairly unpleasant when goring an opponent.  A rubber cap protects the "foot" of the cane.

If you're looking for a cane and are prepared to spend a little money on a good one, start with Cane Masters. 

This is a well-made implement that is both pleasing to the touch and reassuring to the mind.