# What Happend To Canes? (Waking Sticks) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 14, 2009, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017 "2009-04-14T01:44:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2009, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/41 "2009-04-14T23:14:29Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I never go anyplace that’s both formal and funky enough for the full-on look. I’m just wondering if I could work parts of it into a stylish, current wardrobe without looking like I’m in costume. > > And I do like a nice vest. How long is your hair? There’s a guy at the game store I play at that pulls this off, sometimes he carries out adjunct professorial responsibilities and when he does he puts on pinstripes and a cane, and the shoulder-length hair dims the over-formality of the apparel somewhat. ---
**Author:** ![Tamex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ccd318/32.png) [@Tamex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamex)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/42 "2009-04-15T03:46:33Z")
> [@vertizontal](#): > > I think this is a big part of it. I know of several people who had successful knee surgeries or knee replacements, who walk just fine afterwards. My dad had a knee replacement, but he used a cane while he was recovering from the surgery. He also used it again this fall when he broke his ankle (jumping off the tailgate of his pickup!). He thought he had just twisted it and got by with the cane for a couple of weeks while we tried to convince him to go to the doctor. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/43 "2009-04-15T03:54:05Z")
My grandmother had a cane with which she prodded people – or at least she had a cane until she prodded me. Poke. Poke. Snap in half over the knee. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/44 "2009-04-15T04:26:25Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > I have a friend who has some of the best victorian steam punkish vest that he wears instead off the one that matches his 3 piece suits … and a cream silk cravat with stickpin instead of a boring old tie. I really wish I had a picture of him in it, looks great. My favorite one is a red brocade one, some chinese brocade with a smallish patterning. How about that? Well, I never wear a jacket. Kinda looking for vests that work as the outermost layer. Red brocade might be just a smidge too much. > [@Ludovic](#): > > How long is your hair? About an inch-and-a-half on top. Just got it cut last week. Prior to that, it had been about eight months. My timing is impeccable. ---
**Author:** ![flodnak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/838e76/32.png) [@flodnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flodnak)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/45 "2009-04-15T06:42:06Z")
My dad, who has arthritis, uses a cane when walking any distance outside the house. As I understand it, he’s primarily concerned about losing his balance, rather than needing to use his upper body strength to assist in walking. Think of him as a triped 😛 He uses a classic wooden cane. He has a fancy one, too, a gift from a friend who likes woodcarving, but it isn’t quite the right length so he only uses it when he gets dressed up. My mom, who has had a knee replacement, used a cane a lot before and immediately after the surgery. She still uses it when she knows she’s going to be walking longer distances, but manages okay without it now. Her knee replacement surgery had some small complications and it’s possible that if everything had gone according to plan she wouldn’t use a cane at all now. She has a black metal cane, rather modern and very medical-looking. Some older people here in Troll Country have switched to Nordic walking poles. I think they prefer the “active” look of the poles, plus having two has its advantages on icy days. But I definitely still see canes around, usually metal. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/46 "2009-04-15T10:43:50Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I never go anyplace that’s both formal and funky enough for the full-on look. I’m just wondering if I could work parts of it into a stylish, current wardrobe without looking like I’m in costume. > > And I do like a nice vest. Yeah, you could, depending on which way you go. You could do the steampunk look with a bit of sci fi flair easily. The bassist for that group (Abney Park) wears brown pants and a striped shirt, for example. [This set](http://www.polyvore.com/what_shall_wear_to_steampunk/set?id=7647982) has two outfits, one more Victorian, the other with brown jeans, and a thinkgeek shirt as another example. I think the raygun is meant to go with the jeans, and the black hat, sunglasses/steampunk spectacles, and suspenders too I guess since there is no belt. The list of fashion inspirations for steampunk from that steampunk group. [QUOTE=Steampunk group on polyvore] Fashion Inspirations: -Victorian fashion is the frame-work. Most tribal/ethnic wear is acceptable, as travel is a big feature of steampunk. Sci-fi and fantasy elements intermingle. Elements: -Brass & copper (rust, patina, verdigris), wood, leather, cogs, clockwork, old coins, keys, airships (zeppelins, blimps, pilots), submarines, hydraulics, stripes, tatters, compasses, maps, goggles (monocles, telescopes, binoculars), hats, fingerless gloves … -Journeys to the far east, pirates, adventuring, inventors, time travel, engineers, … -Abney Park, Atlantis, The City of Lost Children, Doctor Steel, Final Fantasy, FreakAngels, Girl Genius, The Golden Compass, Hellboy, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Lemony Snicket, Lighthouse (computer game), Sleepy Hollow, Tin Man, Wild Wild West, Van Helsing, Vernian Process, … Steam away! [/QUOTE] You could go the pirate-ish way, (Not Pirates of the Carribean, punk pirates. Striped t-shirts, brown pants etc.) or the mad scientist/engineer/mechanic way. Here’s another steampunk guy, [Dr. Steel](http://www.worlddominationtoys.com/drsteel/enter.html) as another example. (I hope he’s just in character on his website. Otherwise, YIKES!) I think probably you could also incorporate some of the more formal Victorian elements into your wardrobe as well, if ladies can do it so can gentlemen. As I said, the lead singer of Abney Park, and some of the other band members do succeed at this. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/47 "2009-04-15T10:53:11Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I love walking sticks and canes and wish they would make a comeback. > > Hanging out with a nonagenarian relative, I noticed man canes. However, almost all of them were just standard adjustable stainless steel same as the walkers. They are making a comeback, as a fashion accessory for both the Steampunk aesthetic and the Elegant Gothic Aristorcrat crowd. 😉 I linked to a store that sells beautiful Victorian style Gentleman’s walking sticks with brass heads. Check it out. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/48 "2009-04-15T12:20:58Z")
> [@Zabali\_Clawbane](#): > > As far as I am given to understand, the walking stick was a sign of prestige, a mark of a true gentleman. Especially a well cared for stick. And many were actually [swordsticks](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swordstick). ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/49 "2009-04-15T14:51:47Z")
My dad is SUPPOSED to use one, but he often doesn’t. I think he doesn’t want to “look like a cripple”. The guy has three herniated discs in his back. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/50 "2009-04-15T15:08:14Z")
> [@Zabali\_Clawbane](#): > > I would love to have [this walking stick](http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Canes-Large-Clock-Wenge/dp/B001ATJ0QU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1239696660&sr=8-1). Some of those who like the [Steampunk asthetic](http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22254/53717-beauty-steampunk-fashion/) use them, and there are [speciality Victorian shops](http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/gentlemans.php) that [still sell them](http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/001912.php). There are also places that sell calling cards, and calling card cases as well. Pocket watches, and jewelry made using the gears and parts from old pocket watches are also quite popular in some circles. I met a girl in the Army, of all places, who had a cane similar to this one, but the knob on the top was just a simple polished metal knob. She checked and found that it was indeed within Army uniform regs, so everybody on the base quickly became at least passingly familiar with the female soldier in ACUs walking around with a “Pimp Cane” 🆒🆒 Funny aside, she once leaned the cane against a tree while sitting down on a bench to smoke a cigarette, and the cane fell and landed on a toe of one of her sergeants. THAT was funny, 😃 I think one reason for the lack of canes would be the cheap availability of crutches (don’t hospitals loan or rent them out to patients?) Also, not quite a cane, but when I was in college, I had a bit of reputation on the A&M campus for a time for walking around with one of those full-length hook-handled umbrellas during the rainy months. When it wasn’t raining, I’d just tap it along on the ground like a cane. I even figured out how to ride a bike while carrying it (hold it over the handlebars, and give myself an extra foot or so on either side so as not to run it into something or someone). ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/51 "2009-04-15T15:18:37Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > I think one reason for the lack of canes would be the cheap availability of crutches (don’t hospitals loan or rent them out to patients?) Canes can be very cheap. The one I use was only $16 at Long’s. ETA: Also crutches are a PITA compared to a cane. I can’t imagine using crutches if a cane will suffice. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/52 "2009-04-15T15:27:01Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > Canes can be very cheap. The one I use was only $16 at Long’s. > > ETA: Also crutches are a PITA compared to a cane. I can’t imagine using crutches if a cane will suffice. True, but you can’t do that fun pole-vaulting crutch-sprint with a cane. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/53 "2009-04-15T15:36:13Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > I met a girl in the Army, of all places, who had a cane similar to this one, but the knob on the top was just a simple polished metal knob. She checked and found that it was indeed within Army uniform regs, so everybody on the base quickly became at least passingly familiar with the female soldier in ACUs walking around with a “Pimp Cane” 🆒🆒 > > Funny aside, she once leaned the cane against a tree while sitting down on a bench to smoke a cigarette, and the cane fell and landed on a toe of one of her sergeants. THAT was funny, 😃 One of my walking sticks/canes has a solid pewter lion’s head just over two inches in diameter. I had to be very careful about leaning Leo (as I call him) against anything as he tended to fall over. Eventually I got into the habit of always setting him head down and flipping him upright when I walked away. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/54 "2009-04-15T16:32:02Z")
I used a cane for a couple of years after a motorcycle accident. I started with a simple wooden cane, then learned to make my own. I don’t need to use one anymore so they sit around the house. I now own about 4 or 5 of them, including a sword-cane! Looks great with my tuxedo. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/55 "2009-04-15T16:41:45Z")
My interest in Bartitsu has led me to amass a small collection of walking sticks. I don’t own a crook topped model; all mine are knob-headed as recommended by Professor Vigny for use with his stick techniques. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/56 "2009-04-15T21:20:43Z")
I love canes enough to collect them. I think my first was a cane that became a pool cue. My most expensive is good for travelling. It folds up into a nice case. When I take it out, it snaps into place all by itself. The hook is floral and is sterling. The cane is adjustable from 32" to 36". I also have a hand carved Greenman walking stick. I had had it for several years before I discovered that this Greenman has two faces. The second one appears when you turn the stick upsidedown. I’ve developed a problem getting up steps some days so I keep a cane handy. Other than the can I inherited from my Dad, my most cherished cane is one that belonged to a man from my hometown. He made it himself. It has a natural vine wrapping around the shaft. He used to walk around town meeting and greeting, walking, poking, prying, chewing the fat. He wrote a weekly column (usually nostalgic) in the local newspaper. As a young man, he had been the projectionist at the theater where we watched lots of Saturday night Westerns about Roy, Gene and Hoppy. His daughter, my friend of sixty years, gave it to me. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/57 "2009-04-15T21:25:05Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > My interest in Bartitsu has led me to amass a small collection of walking sticks. I don’t own a crook topped model; all mine are knob-headed as recommended by Professor Vigny for use with his stick techniques. I cut down the crook so it is less than a question mark shape [?] and more of a capital “C” on it’s side. I also, am a big fan of Bartitsu. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/58 "2009-04-15T21:29:40Z")
Two things Those of you who collect canes (I do as well but have less than ten) could you please post pictures? Could somebody please start a thread on Bartitsu? I’ve had questions about it since I first read of the man in GURPS Who’s Who. I’ve tried looking online but only found impenetrable original writings. ---
**Author:** ![FallenAngel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@FallenAngel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FallenAngel)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2009, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/59 "2009-04-15T21:49:54Z")
I’m 39 and have had a bad left knee since my early teens. Back when I lived in Ohio I’d have to use a cane during the colder months pretty consistently. After moving to Arizona in 94 I haven’t had to use one as often, but when I do I use one of these: [http://www.walking-canes.net/titaniumshaftacrylicderbyhandle.aspx](http://www.walking-canes.net/titaniumshaftacrylicderbyhandle.aspx). Hey, if I need a gimp rod I may as well use a nice one, right? When I travel with my wife to visit her family in Montreal, I take a metal folding cane just because a) with the weather there I’m guaranteed to need it for at least part of the trip and b) it’s just easier to travel with than the titanium. And, yeah, I do refer to myself as a cripple when I’m on it. When someone questions me about that I let them know there’s a difference between a cripple and an invalid. My first wife’s grandmother, who was in her 80s, steadfastly refused to use a cane because she didn’t want to look old and frail. I pointed out to her that I was 25 and in great shape and still needed one. I was proud that she saw the logic in that and got herself fitted with a functional, but elegant, cane. She was very proud of her cane right up until she died at 93. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2009, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017/60 "2009-04-16T00:57:22Z")
I customarily walk with a stick or quadcane when I’m out of the house. My knees are bad and my balance is shot. It’s sort of embarrassing to walk with a cane, but not nearly as embarrassing as falling down and needing to ask complete strangers to help me up. I can get up with the aid of a stick or cane, I can’t make it on my own. If I’m using my stick, I frequently get all sorts of compliments on it. It’s just a flagpole, with a rubber shoe, and I’ve attached a braided leather strap to it with a leather pouch. I finished it with various beads. One local restaurant refers to me as “The Sorceress”, as I found out when I peered at the seating chart. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-canes-waking-sticks/493017.md?page=4)