Opinions wanted on a "taking a walk" scenario. Trainers please chime in.

[Solus]

I inheireted an old school shillieghle. Irish blackthorn with knobs and and a natural handle where it was cut off the bush. It has zero intimidation factor which sucks as it loses deterent value, but it is as hard as iron wood (lignum vitae), which will actally sink in water. Not what you want to get hit with. I hadn't thought about it for low key SD, but TW just changed my mind. Legal, inconspicous, non-lethal (maybe, see if I care if I actually have to use it) and no one will notice. Maybe an in your face "whup ass stick" would be better as a detterent, but either is better than an ASP and less likely to involve jaill than a Glock. Thanks TW.
FQ13

I own a imitation blackthorn walking stick purchased from Cold Steel, same folks who have the African Walking stick. (I have both to allow for some fashionable variation).  While I do not have the talent to  use it as a martial arts weapon, it might serve to cause hesitation as I brandish it in my off hand and acquire a grip on my pistol.

[Timothy]

I inheireted an old school shillieghle. Irish blackthorn with knobs and and a natural handle where it was cut off the bush. It has zero intimidation factor which sucks as it loses deterent value, but it is as hard as iron wood (lignum vitae), which will actally sink in water. Not what you want to get hit with. I hadn't thought about it for low key SD, but TW just changed my mind. Legal, inconspicous, non-lethal (maybe, see if I care if I actually have to use it) and no one will notice. Maybe an in your face "whup ass stick" would be better as a detterent, but either is better than an ASP and less likely to involve jaill than a Glock. Thanks TW.
FQ13

It's "Shillelagh" there Professor.....never let a Scot have an Irish weapon...

[tombogan03884]

Don't talk like that Tim ! It would deprive us Irish lads of the fun of Claymores !  

[Timothy]

Don't talk like that Tim ! It would deprive us Irish lads of the fun of Claymores !  

The Scots can have their "very big swords", we'll keep the ones that go boom!

 

[tombogan03884]

 OK. Those are from DuPont any way 

[Sponsor]

[tt11758]

I would agree with most everything others have said, but with a couple of exceptions.  My only concern about the walking stick approach is this:  As someone who often finds himself in need of the use of a cane for walking, I have the fear of a cane or walking stick sending a "victim here" message to potential evildoers.  This  is the same reason that I use the mirror-hung handicapped parking placard in my truck instead of getting one of the disabled license plates.  The only time the placard is visible is when I park in what my doctor calls "Rock Star Parking".

I realize that the above statement is a LITTLE off topic, but my point is that a cane or walking stick can be seen as a sign of vulnerability by potential attackers and may serve to escalate the situation rather than de-escalate.

Remember, the only fight you ever REALLY win is the one in which you don't participate.  DEESCALATE, DEESCALATE, DEESCALATE!!!