At first glance, walking canes may seem like ordinary, boring objects. However, even common objects like walking canes have fascinating facts that make them more than just walking aids.
Fashion Accessory
Canes used to be normal for every man to carry, not just those who needed help walking. They came in all sorts of designs and were made of different woods and metals. The Stick Man website states that they were even symbols of authority and “an indication of the owner’s wealth and status.”
Weapon
Besides being fashionable, walking canes were also sometimes weapons. Since they were normal for any man to carry around, it was a simple place to hide a weapon. Either they were made of material heavy enough to hurt someone or they concealed swords or guns inside, the Literary Liaisons website states.
Word Origin
The origin of the word “cane” is thought to trace back to the Middle East. The Word Focus website states that “the word for reed in the Hebrew, Arabic, and Egyptian languages was ‘kaneh.’” The term was adopted into Greek, Latin and other European languages, changing over time until it become the English “cane.”
Marital Arts
Even though walking canes today are used primarily as walking aids, there are also people who use it as a martial arts weapon. Mark Shuey Sr., owner of Cane Masters, asked, “Why should people who need to use a cane in their everyday lives feel like a target? Why not empower them with the knowledge of how to use a cane for self-defense and exercise?” Now he teaches and sells instructional videos for martial arts cane use.
Cane versus Stick
A walking cane and a walking stick are the same thing. Walking Cane World clears up the difference, saying that “the term walking stick comes from Europe and the term walking cane comes from the U.S.A.”
Links:
Daily Use Walking Cane www.WalkingCaneCo.com
Daily use walking cane section contains walking canes with prices starting at $20 found in the derby section, or walking canes up to $200 found in the Derby Classic and Fritz Classic sections. You will also find extra long, extra strong walking canes. New product in this section is Erogonomic walking cane which feature a wide handle for one of the most comfortable walking cane to the hand.
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