What Is a Cane Sword?
A cane sword, also called a swordstick, is a walking cane with a blade hidden inside it. The shaft works as the scabbard and the handle is the hilt, so the blade draws out from the top. Ours come in fixed lengths of about 34 to 39 inches, or as adjustable canes that set from 31 to 40 inches. They are collector and display pieces. They are not mobility aids and are not designed or rated to support body weight.
What a cane sword is
Swordsticks became popular with wealthy Europeans in the 18th and 19th centuries. By then it was becoming less socially acceptable to carry a sword openly, and gentlemen trained in swordsmanship used swordsticks for self-defence instead. Women, for whom carrying a sword was even less acceptable, sometimes carried blades hidden in walking sticks and parasols.
The design is the same today. The shaft hides the blade and the handle is its grip. Pull the handle and the blade comes out of the shaft.
Fixed-length vs adjustable
| Cane Swords (fixed length) | Adjustable Walking Canes | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 34" to 39" overall, depending on model | Adjusts from 31" to 40" |
| Hidden blade | 12" to 19" where the listing gives it | 5.25" hidden steel blade |
| Handles | Wide range of designs (see below) | Eagle, horse or wolf |
The trade-off is simple. A fixed-length cane has room for a much longer blade, but its length is set. The adjustable canes can be set to suit your height, but their blades are much shorter.
Choosing the right length
The usual sizing rule for canes is this. Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed, your arms hanging at your sides and your shoes on. The top of the cane should line up with the crease of your wrist. That distance from wrist to floor is usually about half your height with shoes on. With your hand on the grip, your elbow should bend slightly, about 15 to 30 degrees.
- Wearing the shoes you usually wear, have someone measure from your wrist crease to the floor.
- Compare that figure with the overall length on the product page.
- If it falls between fixed lengths, or outside the 34–39" range, look at the adjustable canes, which set anywhere from 31" to 40".
Don't cut a sword cane down to size. The blade runs inside the shaft.
Important: this sizing is about proportion and appearance only. Our cane swords are not mobility aids, and none of our listings give a weight or load rating. If you need a cane to help you walk or balance, get a proper mobility cane and ask a healthcare professional to help you fit it.
Handle designs
The handle is where these canes differ most. Designs across the range include:
- Animal heads: dragon, eagle and American eagle, wolf and dire wolf, horse, ram, cobra and snake, peacock, rabbit and sea horse.
- Other shapes: skull, claw, smoking pipe and revolver designs.
- Emblem: a Masonic design.
The adjustable canes come with eagle, horse or wolf handles.
Blade lengths in our range
Most of our cane listings give the hidden blade length. Here is how they break down:
- 19" blades: several fixed-length canes, 34" to 37" overall, including the skull, cobra, claw, peacock, snake head and several dragon designs.
- 12" blades: many fixed-length canes, 36" to 37" overall, including the eagle, horse, wolf, rabbit, sea horse, ram, smoking pipe, revolver and Masonic designs.
- 13" and 13.5" blades: the Dire Wolf cane (37" overall) and the Dragon Walking Cane LE-5294 (39" overall).
- 5.25" blades: the three adjustable canes.
Some examples, as listed:
| Cane | Overall length | Hidden blade |
|---|---|---|
| Skull Walking Cane with Hidden Sword LE-2074 | 37" | 19" |
| Dragon Walking Cane with Hidden Sword LE-2020 | 34" | 19" |
| Dragon Walking Cane LE-5294 | 39" | 13.5" stainless steel |
| Dire Wolf Walking Cane LE-5293 | 37" | 13" stainless steel |
| Masonic Walking Cane LE-1544G | 36" | 12" stainless steel |
| Adjustable Eagle Walking Cane LE-5340AD | 31"–40" adjustable | 5.25" steel |
A few listings don't give a blade length, and one lists an overall length that differs from its title. Always go by the specification list on the product page, and ask us if something is missing.
Laws on concealed blades
Laws on canes with concealed blades vary by location and can change. Before you buy, check the current law where you live and anywhere you plan to take the cane, covering owning it, buying it and carrying it. If you're unsure, ask your local authorities.
Displaying canes
A cane leaning in a corner is easy to knock over, and anyone can pick it up. Our Sword Cane Display Stand is made for sword canes. It keeps them organised and on show instead of leaning against a wall. Place it where children can't reach the handles, since a cane sword can be drawn by anyone who picks it up. For other display options, see our sword stands.
To compare designs side by side, browse all walking canes. Then check the overall length and blade length on each product page against your wrist-to-floor measurement.
