[pax]

As MLeake points out, moving away isn't always an option. Of course that's your first best choice when available, but it may not be available.

A cane is nothing more and nothing less than a refined version of the most common murder implement in human history. It is a deadly weapon, and a single blow to the head or neck can kill.

I know a very accomplished martial artist who uses a cane for his bad knee. This old guy can and will kill you with his cane if you threaten him, and unless you've done a lot of stick work and are very lucky, you won't be able to take his weapon away before he does what he set out to do with it.

Is every old guy like that? Heck no! But they are out there. And the cane is a deadly weapon in the hands of a determined assailant.

pax