Charles Davis Tactical Combat Master Cane

I’ve written before about the utility of the cane as a self-defense weapon. Over the years, although I rarely need them for mobility myself (one exception being the time I almost broke my ankle while sparring on a broken plain of rock), I’ve amassed quite a collection of “combat canes.”  Several of these are made by Charles Davis, whose canes I have come to prefer over my Canemasters canes.

The most recent (and most beautiful) example of a Charles Davis cane to come into my possession is the Tactical Combat Master he makes.  This is a black oak cane cut in an octagonal pattern with a short horn, uniquely angled inside the crook to make for easier snaring and trapping.  The grooves are cut at the top and bottom of the shaft for gripping, while a series of deep grooves on the top half of the cane (which Charles describes as “Kubotan-like”) facilitate compliance techniques.

The Tactical combat master is just over 36 inches long (although Charles will custom make them to your height requirements up to 38 inches long) with a 1.125 inch diameter shaft. The crook is 4.5 inches wide and 5 inches deep. A standard rubber cane tip adorns the bottom of the cane, while the wood itself bears a durable ebony-black stain and three coats of hand-rubbed tung oil finish.  The octagonal cross-section, according to Charles Davis, is very strong and provides more edges and angles for attack.

This is a gorgeous, heavy cane that exhibits excellent fit and finish.  It’s stout enough to support even the largest man, while heavy enough to impart serious force.  The various edges and angles carved into it make it easy to grip and provide excellent traction, while the black finish helps make the cane look less aggressive at a distance (the grooves tend to disappear unless you’re looking at the cane under direct light). Of all my canes, this is the one I would carry tomorrow if I woke up with a bum knee or a bad back.

The C Davis Group offers a full line of self-defense tools and instructional materials, not just canes. I encourage you to check them out and support Charles Davis — who, in turn, supports this site with his sponsorship. Make sure to tell him we sent you.