Walking Cane vs. Walking Stick - What's the difference?
Posted by ELIZABETH CARROLL

The difference between a walking cane and a walking stick is its functionality.
A walking cane is a mobility device designed as a long-term aid for balance as well as to relieve pressure on a leg joint while walking. A walking stick, in comparison, is used to temporarily help with footing and stability when walking on rough or uneven terrain.
Walking Cane – Have bent or rounded handles to grip for better support. The handle is designed to distribute the weight more evenly on the shaft, giving more stability.
One example of a walking stick is our Blackthorn Knob Handle Walking Stick
The Blackthorn root walking stick goes far back to early Irish history and folklore, where it was often referred to as a shillelagh (referring to the forest where the wood was sourced, in the village of Shillelagh, in County Wicklow). For centuries, they were a multipurpose accessory, used both as a walking aid as well as to administer "shillelagh law" to keep the peace.
As a naturally grown product, no two blackthorn roots are exactly alike.
Some cane handles are designed for comfort while others are made to be stylish and look great. It all depends on what you want from your cane.
To choose the right type of cane handle, consider:
- How and when you will use the cane
- Is the walking cane for assistance only?
- Will the cane primarily be a compliment to a stylish wardrobe?
- Are there any physical issues that would make one type of grip safer or more comfortable than another?
Use our cane handle chart to help you make your selection. Featuring 9 types of cane handles with ratings for both comfort and style (or popularity), our guide will help you find the perfect balance between function and fashion when choosing your next cane.
Walking Sticks- look less like a mobility aid, as they are straight with a less pronounced (if any) bend at the top. They are often viewed as a hiking stick.
Here is the walking stick version of that same Blackthorn model, our Authentic Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick
Like the Blackthorn walking cane, the Irish Blackthorn walking stick is unique with its own naturally occurring thorns, thickness, and shape, making it a great collector's item.
We are proud to offer a vast selection and variety of walking canes and walking sticks for our customers. Here are a few more examples of our most popular knob handle walking canes…
Chrome Plated Hame Handle Walking Canes.
Available in 3 shaft options:
Black Hame Twisted Ash Wood with Chrome Plated Handle
A beautiful addition to any cane collection, the handle of this cane is crafted from a hame - or horse saddle handle. A popular styling in furniture and decorative designs, hames offer an impressive and comfortable take on the classic knob-handled design.
The shaft is black-stained ash wood with an eye-catching and intricate design. that is sure to make it a conversation starter at your next event
Espresso Hame Twisted Ash Wood w/ Chrome Plated Handle
The espresso stain on this walking cane highlights the natural beauty of the ash wood it’s crafted from.
Espresso Knob Handle Walking Cane with Silver Collar
Looking for something to assist you on a walk in the woods? This comfortable wooden knob cane has a smooth and polished look with an espresso stained handle on a black beechwood shaft
The silver-finished collar adds a final touch of intellectual sophistication, ensuring that this cane will be a welcome addition to any outfit or wardrobe.
Each Model:
- Chrome-plated hame, or saddle handle
- Comes installed with a complimentary high-quality 18mm rubber tip
- Visit link for height and weight allowances
The Mad Hatter Walking Stick
The Mad Hatter derives its name from the multifaceted hat worn by The Mad Hatter in Lewis Carrols Alice in Wonderland.
Both the naming and style represent the personality of this walking stick embodies, displaying a variety of exotic inlaid woods such as Rosewood, Maple, and Ovangkol.
The shaft of this designer walking stick is made from a gorgeous exotic Wenge wood native only to Europe and Africa.
Making these walking canes requires a highly skillful craftsman, and the end result is a masterpiece that has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated.
- Exotic multi-wood inlaid knob handle
- Genuine Wenge wood shaft
- Stylish two-tone collar
- Visit link for height and weight allowances
Bat Masterson Brass Knob Handle Walking Cane
Bat Masterson is an icon of America’s Wild West.
Buffalo hunter, U.S. Marshall, Army scout, gambler, and frontier lawman, his popular connection to the walking cane was due to a bullet in his pelvis, obtained in a gunfight over a girl.
The popular 1950’s television series that bore his name amplified the story into the legend that he needed to carry a cane for the rest of his life. It’s a beautiful piece of American history that’s not only stylish and supportive but will inspire nostalgia and hold great sentimental value for many years to come.
The Bat Masterson is one of our most popular gifting canes.
- The Shaft is Crafted with Genuine Black Beechwood
- The Knob Handle is made from Brass and the Collar is Brass 24K Gold plated
- Visit link for height and weight allowances
Air Force, Marines, Army, Navy & Coast Guard Knob Walking Sticks
Proudly demonstrate your love, devotion, and your appreciation for a friend or loved one’s service to their country with this handcrafted wooden knobbed walking cane.
Each high-resolution color branch emblem is inset inside the wooden handle of this beechwood shart walking stick and covered with a clear vinyl protective coating.
It sports an intricate pewter accent collar that’s handcrafted by an artisan jeweler in the design of either the US flag or leaves and roses. The collar is set between two silver rings for an extremely classy finishing touch.
This walking cane has a sophisticated and stylish look and is designed with a comfortable knobbed handle.
Air Force Knob Walking Stick
Marine Corps Knob Walking Stick
Navy Knob Walking Stick
Army Knob Walking Stick
Coast Guard
- Quality U.S Air Force emblem
- Classic knob handle
- Genuine Beechwood shaft
- Choice of either leaf and rose or flag and star carved pewter collar
- Visit link for height and weight allowances
- Each walking stick is also available in Flattop and Flask-Handle options as well
Elegant Italian Swirl Knob with Nickel Plated Handle
Simple yet elegant, this swirled knob-handled cane is perfect for any event, formal or non-formal.
Your choice of 1 of 4 high-quality collars (Aluminum Silver, Aluminum Gold, Brass Silver, and Brass 24K Gold) accentuate the details in the handle to match your choice of a custom shaft, offered in:
- Black painted beechwood
- Brown stained beechwood
- Ash
- Ovangkol
- Wenge
- Ebony
Great for beginners or even the most advanced collectors, these pieces are bound to be the center of conversations
Please visit the link above for height and weight allowances
Add a Personalized Engraving To Your Cane
Where for yourself, or as a gift for a loved one, you can personalize your choice of cane with a custom engraving plaque and never lose your cane again. Choose from a variety of plaque styles and materials, choose your own font and style, and even preview exactly what your plaque will look like before you order!
It’s the perfect way to add a special message for any occasion or milestone.
Our selection of custom-engraved canes allows you to personalize a message on the handle or shaft to make the cane as unique as you are. Each plaque is laser engraved and then bent by hand to match the curve of the cane shaft before it is applied. (PLEASE NOTE - Engraving does not apply towards the $80.00 to receive free shipping)
Fashionable Has What You’re Looking For
So, whether you want a walking stick to serve the purpose of providing minor support, as a classy accessory, or need a walking cane to meet mobility, balance, and comfort needs, you’re in the right place.
At Fashionable Canes, we have the quality and selection to ensure that whichever choose, you’ll be walking out in safety and style!
The Fashionable Difference
- 6 Month Limited Warranty*
- Low Prices & 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Customer Service w/ Live Phone Support
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