Cold Steel Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick with Polypropylene, 37-Inch

by Cold Steel

Product Features

• Injection-molded polypropylene walking stick modeled after Irish originals
• Carefully copied and modified from Blackthorn bush found in Ireland
• Guaranteed not to warp, crack, swell up, or splinter; cleans with soap and water
• Tapers from 1 inch (base) to 1-3/8 inches (neck); head measures 2-3/4 inches
• Measures 37 inches long overall; weighs 28.2 ounces

Product Description

Amazon.com

Prized for centuries as an ideal material for premium walking sticks, Blackthorn bush is found throughout Ireland and the British Isles. The original Blackthorn sticks were 2- to 4-foot-long Irish shillelaghs (the national weapon of rural Ireland). Now Cold Steel pays tribute to the classic Blackthorn walking sticks with this injection-molded polypropylene version, which offers all of the advantages of real Blackthorn and none of its pitfalls. Inspired by an authentic Blackthorn owned by Cold Steel President Lynn C. Thompson, the stick was copied carefully and then artfully modified to a point where it not only mimics nature, but actually rivals and (arguably) supersedes it. The stick makes any walk more comfortable, and it's guaranteed to never warp, crack, swell up, or splinter.

Specifications

• Material: Polypropylene
• Base diameter: 1 inch
• Neck diameter: 1-3/8 inches
• Head diameter: 2-3/4 inches
• Overall length: 37 inches
• Weight: 28.2 ounces

Product Description

Our Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick is inspired by an authentic Blackthorn from Cold Steel President, Lynn C. Thompson’s private collection. It was copied carefully, and then artfully modified to a point where it not only mimics nature, but actually rivals and supersedes anything the natural world could produce! If nature had fashioned the most perfect Blackthorn stick, and you were lucky enough to come by it, our Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick is what it would look like. It’s a superb faux Blackthorn stick, and since it’s injection molded from polypropylene, it will never warp, crack, swell up, or splinter and is easy to maintain with a little soap and water.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B001B7Y3A4
• UPC: 705420072278 705442007227
• Item model number: 91PBS
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,307 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)
  • #6 in Health & Personal Care > Medical Supplies & Equipment > Mobility Aids & Equipment > Canes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the money, October 24, 2008

By 

Melvin Williams (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cold Steel Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick with Polypropylene, 37-Inch (Sports)

I own the 'Cold Steel' African Walking Stick and was so impressed with it that I finally broke down and decided to buy the Blackthorn and add it to my collection. So far I'm in love with it.

The stick is solid state and easy to carry. The knobbed handle has a peculiar shaped lip recess where the faux wooden top attaches to the shaft but this allows for one to comfortably wrap his fingers around it and maintain a firm grip. I find the stick attractive and only when examined up close can one tell it is not real wood.

As soon as the stick arrived, I went to the local drug store and bought a 1" rubber cane tip which fit perfectly. I then took the stick with me for a 10 mile test walk. I wear fingerless, padded gloves when walking and noted no discomfort to the palm or wrist from the stick while using it for weight bearing. It was light enough to carry tucked under my arm as well.

The stick seemed well capable of being used as a defense tool while still keeping a good balance of comfort and fashion. My impression so far is that it is a very nice walking stick and I would highly recommend it. Don't be fooled by the light weight and plastic feel of this material.

Negatives:
1) Does not come with a rubber tipped end. The plastic tip can be a bit slippery on smooth surfaces. (Highly suggest you grab a 1" tip from the drug store, usually come in a box of 2 for $3-$4.)
2) Only comes in one size as far as I am aware.
3) I suspect it might warp if stored in an extremely hot vehicle, though I have no proof of this.

Positives:
1) Nice looking stick. Has that authentic Blackthorn appearance.
2) Polypropylene construction makes it nearly indestructible. Aside from scratches or extreme heat, should last forever.
3) Well balanced and "ridged" along the shaft for good grip and combat useage.

Overall:
Two thumbs up. I love the stick and have no regrets about buying it. Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick, Polypropylene, 37 in.

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fair Stick, February 20, 2009

By 

M. Lavey (Buffalo, New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cold Steel Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick with Polypropylene, 37-Inch (Sports)

I have a back problem that sometimes requires me to use a cane for balance, and I also like to have a hiking stick with me when I go for long walks at night. I purchased this lately since I was a fan of the Cold Steel African walking stick, but preferred the blackthorn style. It's a very nice look stick/cane. It has a great feel to it, and is actually more practical than a real blackthorn stick which can splinter or still has the sharp thorns on it.

The lip on the knob of the stick makes for a great grip. The downfall is the plastic wood that is also used on the root. It's the same type of wood used for the wood trim in a car, and can crack easily if dropped. I think the company would have been much better off to use the same polypropylene that is used for the shaft of the stick, only in brown for the root. It would still look just as authentic, but have a better durability.

The plastic "wood" and lack of a rubber tip (which I was easily able to purchase at a drug store) loose the blackthorn some points.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Walking Stick, January 18, 2009

By 

Robert G. Greenup (Dumas, Arkansas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cold Steel Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick with Polypropylene, 37-Inch (Sports)

I had concerns that this stick might look too plastic, but actually you have to get really close to it to identify it as a replica. It looks very much like my authentic Blackthorn stick from all but a very close distance.

This is a very sturdy walking stick. I am 6'2" and 275 lbs. and this stick is plenty sturdy enough for me. It draws a lot of looks. I feel confident that it could be used as an efffective club should the need arise.