The Cold Steel Heavy Duty Sword Cane may well be the strongest and without a doubt the sharpest real world sword cane ever built. In 25 years of testing and writing about knives, firearms, and all manner of survival gear, it was done on a professional basis, and I always tried to maintain an unbiased opinion. However, in the case of the Cold Steel Heavy Duty Sword Cane, it was tested for real world use—my own personal, medical use.
My Slow Hip Replacement Recovery
As this is being written, I’m in my eleventh week of recovery from hip replacement surgery. Quite honestly, the recovery is taking much longer than I expected or was led to believe it would. I’ve never been a very patient person, and I thought I’d be back to 100% a few weeks after the surgery. Such is not the case. I’m far from a total recovery, I’m sad to say. However, my therapist told me some weeks back that at that point in my recovery the average person scored a 30 and I scored 60 on a national average. Still, I wasn’t satisfied.
Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up the recovery from this type of surgery, and a full healing takes about a year. My orthopedic surgeon said I was doing so well that instead of returning for a checkup in six months, he told me to return in a year. Still, I’m not satisfied with the recovery time.
Post-Surgery Care and Equipment
Prior to the surgery, my wife and I took a three-hour class at the hospital where the surgery was to be performed. It was mostly boring, and everything presented was in a booklet the surgeon’s office gave me. One thing of note was that during the recovery you needed three items. One was a walker, second was a pair of crutches, and last was a cane. The walker was to be used for 2-3 weeks after the surgery. The crutches were used for another couple of weeks, and a cane for as long as needed.
Everyone was required to have a home care giver for the first two weeks after the surgery. My oldest daughter took watch the first week, and my wife took the second week plus a few days beyond that. I had many complications after the surgery, not the least of which was a severe case of bronchitis, which my daughter also had. Sometimes I didn’t know which of us was sicker. I used the walker for those first two weeks or so, as I needed it!
Medical Benefit of Cold Steel’s Sword Cane
I will say that during those first few weeks of at-home recovery, I never felt more helpless in my entire life. I’ve never been used to having to count on anyone. I was so weak the first month home, I couldn’t rack the slide on my 1911. Ugh! That’s not a good thing in my eyes. I only left the house a few times and didn’t bother to strap on a handgun. It wouldn’t have done me any good. I ditched the walker just as fast as I could, and I skipped using crutches and went to using my Cold Steel Heavy Duty Walking Cane that was provided to me by long-time friend Lynn Thompson, who owns Cold Steel.
The cane was used for a little more than two weeks, not only for support but also for balance. It was absolutely needed. And, the best part was I had a weapon in hand whenever I walked with the cane. That was important in my eyes.
Specs on Cold Steel’s Sword Cane
Be sure to check the laws in your area before ordering or using any type of sword cane. Be advised. A close look at this outstanding sword cane is in order, however. It is so simple; there really isn’t much to report about it. The cane is 37.5 inches long. And the aluminum shaft can be cut down if it is too long for you. It fit me just fine. The cane only weighs 26.9 oz, so it is light weight. The sword (blade) portion itself is made out of stainless steel, which is a must, since it is encased in the aluminum shaft, in order to prevent rust. Also, the cane came well oiled to prevent rest, and it should be kept that way.
I chose to keep a coating of Barricade on it. The aluminum shaft is also heat-treated for strength, and there is a heavy duty rubber ferrule on the bottom of the shaft for a sure grip on just about any terrain. The curve handle is heavy duty nylon. The blade itself is attached to the handle with three stainless steel pins for a sure fit.
The 24-inch blade on the Cold Steel Sword Cane has a sharpened false edge, and it is razor sharp, just like the rest of the blade. There are no surprises here, since Cold Steel set the Gold Standard for “sharp” blades. You need to watch the short video on the Cold Steel website where Lynn Thompson demonstrates how wicked this sword cane is. It’s awesome; that’s all I can say!
The Local Gun Shop Reaction
Of course, I made several trips to the local gun shop I haunt when I was feeling better, and I had the sword cane in hand. Those who know me, simply had to ask, “Is that a sword cane?” Yep, can’t fool my friends. They know I’m always armed in some manner. All were impressed with the quality of this handy-dandy weapon and that also served as a medical device.
Performance
I did some slicing and dicing with the Cold Steel Sword Cane and was very impressed with the performance. Used in a two-handed hold, I’m sure it would cleanly remove the head of an attacker. Someone coming at you with a knife? Great. Surprise them when you pull the sword out of the shaft and watch ‘em run or lose the hand that they are holding the knife in.
Ordering May Require a Wait
Cold Steel is located in California, where just about everything is illegal these days. So, you have to order this product from the Cold Steel warehouse in Arizona. Be prepared for a wait. They are always out-of-stock, because this product is so popular. As I age and since my surgery, I’m learning that I’m a lot more vulnerable than I thought I was, as are many senior citizens. It just kills me to admit I’m a senior citizen these days. Many have permanent disabilities and are forced to walk with a cane in-hand at all times. If that’s the case, why not have a cane that can also serve as a weapon in your hand to use to defend yourself? It really wouldn’t take much practice at all to effectively deploy this sword cane as a weapon against those bent on doing you harm!
Lifetime Weapon In-Hand While On The Street
The Cold Steel Heavy Duty Sword Cane is just that—heavy duty. It will last a lifetime. And, it takes no practice to draw the sword out of the shaft. Just a good tug and it pulls right out of the friction/suction hold the tube has on the sword. Just remember, if at all possible, to deploy the sword with a two-handed hold. It is more effective that way. There are not many weapons that you can actually have in-hand while walking down the street or at the mall that won’t draw any attention. Just imagine walking down the street with a handgun in your hand. It just isn’t a smart or safe thing to do, is it? However, this sword cane just won’t draw any unwanted attention when it is in your hand and you are using it as a walking aid. Think about it.
Check Out Their Website For Quality And A Good Deal
Quality never comes cheap. However, in this case, the sword cane retails for only $149.99. If you ask me, it is one heck of a deal and a product that can easily save your life as well as being a genuine medical device to aid you in walking and keeping your balance. Check out the Cold Steel website for further information.
– Senior Product Review Editor, Pat Cascio
Nice review,but it would help if you included some tips/tactics on how to use it in a self-defense situation.
I had to use a cane for most of last year.I’m trying to think how I could deploy it if someone was in my face threatening me.I would have to balance one 1 leg,hold the handle,and use my other hand to unsheath it.A good index finger poke in my chest would have sent me on my kiester.
I can see having time to expose it if there is some distance,but you are then still immobile.
Not being negative,it could be useful if you had no physical need for a cane.
Sword Cane fighting is almost a forgotten art. I know I’ve seen a few books from the ’30s that had some information in it, but they are getting tough to find. Here is an article on using a cane though.
A blade that small is designed to be wielded one-handed, not two-handed. I’m a former competitive fencer and I’ve studied a few different “period” styles of sword-fighting (I’ve had a weird life). You’d be better served using the blade in your dominant hand and the shaft in your non dominant, for blocking and/or bludgeoning.
Behave & get better! I can empathize. Am currently recovering (so very slowly) from vertigo resulting from labyrinthitis. It would be tough to need to defend ones self when everything is “moving” around you, your eyes won’t focus, and you don’t dare put down the trash can you might need to throw up in!! Worse than defenseless!!
Enough of that… behave & get better… a friend didn’t behave & subsequently ended up with more than one hip replacement… behave!!
“Behave”, nothing! Better to say, “Don’t get in trouble by not getting caught”.
Perhaps an article on defense weopons for the permanently or temporarily disabled would be good to write. As an aside I too just had a total knee replacement and was told how great I was doing by my doc and physical therapist. But I’m not where I think I should be. A word to the wise if you need hip, knee or some other such replacement get it done sooner rather than later to insure availability of the procedure and time to rehab. It wouldn’t be good to be down during a crisis event.
Remember also,just a regular cane is a good weapon. Get a wooden stock cane from TractorSupply. They are legal everywhere. I traveled to Scotland with one last year. The stock cane is normally used to deal with animals on the farm and is much heavier than the grandma canes from Walgreens.
I can relate. Had total knee replacement six weeks ago and still can’t do some things I’d like to do. Have two more weeks of therapy. Told I’m doing well but I too am impatient. Am told I will still have to do exercises after being released. I am doing them now 3x a day. Did six weeks of pre-surgery exercises. I already have neuropathy which is incurable and degenerative. Would like to hear about some things I can do about self-defense. I use a walker anyway. Any suggestions appreciated.
My first (conventional) hip replacement surgery (2002) took about 16 weeks for full recovery My second (other) hip replacement surgery (by Hughston Clinic) took about 2 weeks until I was up-and-about. Full recovery in about 5 weeks. Wish you the best.
I’m 66, about 2 years out from a double hip replacement, and sad to say, I still do not feel 100%. Although I was a brown belt in Shotokan karate, my balance and dexterity now is noticeably compromised and my karate kicks are completely in my past, I fear. I still walk with a slight limp. Perhaps, with more exercise I can overcome my present limitations.
Unfortunately, sword canes are illegal in PA where I live.
Sadly, sword canes are illegal to carry in WA State.
Also in Virginia.
As of September 1, sword canes and other previously illegal knives will be Legal for carry in Texas, with the exception of certain specified locations.
Like many who have commented, I’ve had some reconstructive surgeries. This is an area of prepping that is almost universally overlooked. Maybe because there is no way to prepare in some cases. Our 42 year old otherwise healthy daughter recently suffered a minor stroke and seizure. Do what after a societal collapse???
Pray, and be at peace with your maker, while helping others as much as you can.
Get well. Good article and am looking into the cane. I had triple hernia surgery (stomach/groin area) early December 2017. Still not healed as far as I am concerned. I just don’t heal as fast as I used to and is very annoying. I am just 65 years old
Thanks for all your comments and concern, I’m getting better ever so slowly, just takes time. As to giving hints on using a sword cane for self-defense, it’s not all that hard – when you have a long, razor-sharp blade, once you start swinging or poking it at someone, they will find they need to be some place else. When I was teaching martial arts classes, part of what I taught was using a walking stick for self-defense, easy to learn, but I can’t teach it in a blog…
hip replacement ? knee replacement ? post collapse ? good luck with that.
Thanks for the article, now I don’t feel so alone with my slow hip replacement recovery (surgery 4/10). I looked at Coldsteel’s website but these are, sadly, currently out of stock…
As a medical device it maybe covered by insurance,at the worst all they could say is no .
For those of us that reside in states where swords are illegal, one might consider an good ol’ Shillelagh from Ireland. I have purchased a few items from them and can assure anyone they are a very reputable, customer service family business. Lots of good information on the website, too. Different types of Shillelagh and different lengths for all sizes of people. Get yourself a good stout, classic black briar shillelagh and defend yourself.
I got one for when my sciatic acts up and could also use it for self defense.
http://www.oldeshillelagh.com/
Try searching for a doctor who used the Anterior hip replacement procedure. Mine was done at age 64l one week with walker, one week with cane and back to normal function within 6 weeks with no rehab. This is not uncommon as it is due to the lack of muscle that needs to be surgically disturbed/cut. My wife had a double replacement at age 65, six weeks apart and had nearly identical results. Good luck.
Try searching for a doctor who used the Anterior hip replacement procedure. Mine was done at age 64l one week with walker, one week with cane and back to normal function within 6 weeks with no rehab. This is not uncommon as it is due to the lack of muscle that needs to be surgically disturbed/cut. My wife had a double replacement at age 65, six weeks apart and had nearly identical results. Good luck.
My best wishes to you. I am recovering from my second multi level spine surgery and empathize. I attended my daughter’s wedding far from home and needed a cane after falling on the groom’s parent’s front porch haha.
Anyway, I used a golf club. A 7iron to be exact. When asked why not use a regular cane, I told them I would rather look like a crippled golfer than just a cripple.
For those in jurisdictions which do not allow a sword cane, Cold Steel offers other canes or walking sticks which may also be very effective in self defense.
I favor their Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick.
http://www.coldsteel.com/irish-blackthorn-walking-stick2.html
My wife did use her cane to beat the crap out of a recently released, former inmate…guess he wanted back in for “three hots and a cot”.
Her stick is not heavy, she was leaning against a car, not able to maneuver, she just kept wailing on him. Took 30 stiches to put his face back on.
The cops knew who he was and where to find him …followed the blood trail I guess.
Are sword canes legal anywhere? State laws regarding pocketknives are overly restrictive enough. I cannot fathom any state (perhaps SD?) not banning sword canes.