I use a stick I purchased at an Arkansas State Park.
It stays in my camper.
I've been thinking about maybe getting one of those Cold Steel staffs.
That being said does anyone have any experience or opinion on these?
Survival Staff - Crawford Knives
They seem to be a walking stick survival tool in one, including a blowgun.
I have two Cold Steel walking sticks.
> a Walkabout stick. Polypropylene.
> a Heavy Duty stick. Heat treated 6061 Aluminum alloy with a plastic handle.
Both sticks are 37 1/2" long. I'm 5'8" and wear a 30"inseam pant. I cut both sticks so that they are ~35 1/2" long including the rubber tip..
The Walkabout stick does not have a rubber tip, so as it comes from the factory, it slips on concrete. I added a rubber tip.
The Heavy Duty stick, comes with a rubber tip, but it's not the correct grade of polymer for that purpose. I replaced the tip.
I find the Walkabout stick to be durable and usable, but heavy. Much heavier than my wooden walking sticks.
I find the Heavy Duty stick to be very light, and the handle to be comfortable, YMMV. But the handle is polypropylene and it is not sufficiently tight in the body of the stick, so it has a tendency to rattle when I use it. I tried injecting silicone sealant into the joint and that helped. But it still rattles a bit, which I find annoying.
In short, I prefer my wooden stick to the Cold Steel sticks.
Regarding the Crawford stick. Check your local laws. Several states, including mine, have laws against hidden weapons or against knives which are disguised as other objects. Also, I see no benefit to the design. I always have a knife on me (Duh) so I don't need an extra fixed blade. And I have no desire to go hunting. It looks to me as if it's an answer in search of an actual need.
Note: beware of shipping charges when purchasing sticks. The freight can be as much as the stick, depending on whom you buy from.
