The cane is certainly of value (in a number of ways). Besides the obvious medical use...it can be used as a good defensive weapon. There are limitations of course.The Annoyed Man wrote: One item is that I do own a rather stout cane, which I actually need on some days. It is a Carolina Hawthorn Root Walking Stick, made by Whistle Creek. This thing is seriously stout, and if you whack somebody real hard with it, they are going to say "Ow!" and lay down suddenly for further disposition (
The other item is a blackjack leather slapper, which I've had in my possession for probably 30 years or more, and which I no longer know how I obtained it. I think that somebody gave it to me.
The only thing about the cane/staff/walking stick...is that few people will seek out the training necessary to wield it with most effect. Yes...anyone can flail it about and perhaps score a hit....but a cane (because of length) is easily taken away if the you don't know any retention techniques.
Even so, it is a good weapon that can be taken nearly anywhere.
The BlackJack (SAP) is exactly where it needs to be (in a box somewhere in the nether-regions of a closet). Its better than bare fists...but requires that you be in direct contact distance to a threat. Additionally, a SAP is primarily designed to be a compliance tool, but can cause serious injury or death if misused. That is why you don't see them in use anymore.