Canes? what is the best?

xbxb

xbxb

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I may have to get a cane to help me get around a bit. What's the best kind to get? Any thoughts?
 
I've never had to use one personally but my dad's had five hip replacements and always uses a light weight wood one. He never liked the aluminium ones. He's 6'5" 230lbs so wood is plenty durable.
 
I found an outfit that made wooden canes and agreed to sell me some "blanks," that is unfinished hickory canes. Really lovely pieces. I finished one with a few "combat" extras and used it when I cracked a few foot bones. Still carry it for evening walks. Sorry I don't remember the name of the company I bought these from, but maybe somebody here can help.
 
Osage orange cut from the tree strong wont break. I have had mine for many years love it and it was free !
 
I prefer the derby style handle and a wooden cane. The Fritz style handle is supposed to be pretty good but I've never had a cane with that style handle. The ball top canes won't take much weight comfortably and I'm not that fond of the crook/shepherd style canes either.

If you check a few of the on-line cane stores you'll see that you have a pretty good variety to choose from.
 
I had to use a cane for a while a few years ago. I made mine from 7/8" seamless titanium tubing and a old Lightspeed titanium bicycle stem. Light and strong. Last month I picked up a Cold Steel "Slim Stick" for a trail stick. Very well made. Uses mandrel wound carbon fiber. Super light and very fast striker (if you need that capability). I put a REI trekker pole tip on mine, very grippy.
 
I bought a Cold Steel Walkabout XL a few years ago for when I go walking very early in the morning or even on my evening strolls. Nice to have something I can wield around if there are any animals out there that would want a piece of me and also helps to steady myself on uneven ground.
 
I got a Walkabout in Purple Heart years ago and a Walkabout XL recently. Knobtops are not as easy to handle, especially if you're like me, and need them for balance and support.

My regular walking canes are crooktops. I have 2 Canemasters, with thick stock and broad open crooks, which are very supportive and comfortable. I also have a smaller, lighter hickory crooktop that's my beater cane, good for walks in the woods.

I also got a folding cane fom A.G.Russell that works well and I can carry when I'm travelling and want something I can pack away.
 
I agree with esav on the crook tops. I really had to bear down on my cane whole healing from having my pelvis fractured in 5 places. The crook top is much better for this. The knob top is OK for use as a walking stick as well as the derby. Some of the canes are available in over-sized lengths that are suitable for taller, heavier people. Follow the many guides on proper cane length.I like a longer stick for strolling at a fast pace. For weight bearing I needed a shorter cane.
 
mossyhorn said:
Follow the many guides on proper cane length.I like a longer stick for strolling at a fast pace. For weight bearing I needed a shorter cane.
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Good points. One of the advantages of some of the aluminum canes like my A.G.Russell is adjustability. Walking around, I keep it at classic cane height. That's the top of the cane at the bend of your wrist, standing upright. For faster walking or irregular ground, I'll go an inch or two higher: more leverage.
 
I found making my own out of a maple to be great therapy. Got to use a knife to peel the bark and sitting on the front porch sanding it down was relaxing. Plenty of info on the internet as to properly sizing a cane.
 
This a great info thanks very much. I have noticed there are several different types of material ie: wood plastic carbon fiber etc. Does it really matter?
 
I don't think it matters. I prefer wood. It's easy to maintain -- rub it down with mineral oil periodically. It hides little dings well. It can be very strong without being uncomfortably heavy.
 
I use a cane often, and prefer a lightweight cane with a wide open crook top handle, same design as 'Canemasters,' but made out of rattan rather than a heavy wood. Rattan is strong enough to call 'unbreakable,' light enough so you don't feel as if you're walking around carrying a baseball bat, and costs next to nothing.

I made mine out of 3/4" diameter rattan, steamed and bent the crook, then sanded down the handle and shaft. I used "Shoe-Goo" to make a non-slip bottom that can't fall off, and gave the whole thing a coat of floor wax.

For me, it's the perfect combination of walking aid and self defense tool. I taught Fencing for 25 years, and the lightweight rattan gives one the speed necessary for that La Canne Vigny methodology, without using an extra long thin stick.


Stitchawl
 
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