The Cane Is Able

A survival stick can be your best friend.

- Barton Boehm

My introduction to the use of a stick as a valuable tool was during my martial arts training. The stick was introduced to me as a weapon for self-defense, but also as my best friend for survival. The use of a stick for self-defense and survival could fill volumes; however, I will focus on survival and some self-defense uses.

The human race has used the stick for as long as we know. All peoples of the world used the stick for some purpose. Primitive people used the stick for digging, catching game, inspecting animals’ holes, looking under rocks for snakes and for many other purposes. The stick, the rod, the scepter—each was used by a sovereign as an emblem of authority and power.

My first introduction to the use of a stick as a weapon and survival tool was in my martial arts training after the Korean War. I found a martial arts teacher and lived in his home for four years. Martial arts was my life, and I rarely slept more than about four hours a night.

My teacher trained me in three basic stick sizes: short (about 3 feet); medium (about 5 feet) and long (about 6 feet). These are not fixed dimensions but a starting point based on individual size and preference.

I used the stick primarily as a weapon, but as my training advanced, it became my best friend and survival tool. I learned to never leave my stick behind, and I kept it by my side 24/7, even while sleeping and while in the bathroom.