Canes are a valid self defense tool. Although Cane Masters sells great canes, I never bought one because of the restrictive area I live in (the cane obviously looks like a weapon) and I have a good quality hickory cane from my grandfather. Oh, also because I am a cheapskate. I did buy one of their self defense videos though. Sadly, nowadays if I lift up the cane to defend myself, I would probably fall over. So, I never go out unless my wife is with me. She is a feisty little devil and 14 years younger than me.