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Custom Cane Engravings

A common problem which many cane users can attest to is the annoyance of misplacing a cherished cane, or even worse having it stolen! With so much time and money put into such an important purchase it would be silly not to have some reassurance against its loss. Now you can, with our custom engravings! Engravings often act as a deterrent to thieves looking for a non-descript walking cane. In the event that your cane has been misplaced, honest people can easily contact the walking canes owner by simply reading the engraved telephone number, address, or e-mail address. Instead of calling around town and backtracking to see where you might have left your cane you can sit back and wait from someone to call you. These engravings will not only add peace of mind to your order, but a bit of charm as well. These stylish engravings add a sense of luxury that you won’t find in your average drug store walking cane. On a lighter note you can order an engraving for any number of activities. The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalized engravings. Showcase your favorite quote or saying, turn a gift into a family heirloom with a meaningful inscription, add a simple more personal touch with a monogram, engrave a note to commemorate a special gift or date like a birthday, Christmas or graduation. Thank your groomsmen with a personalized brandy smuggler’s cane or consider the ever popular well wishes for someone recovering from an injury to let them know how much you care. Engravings are available in brass or stainless steel and come in a variety of shapes including circular, rectangular or oval. Prices range from $19.95 to $22.95. Add one to your next cane order!

Walking Canes: a Gothic Tradition

In The Wolfman, the 1941 black and white film, the tragic protagonist is undone when he gives his friend a silver-headed walking cane. In the final scene, the Wolfman is brought down by this cane, and the cruel reality of the situation is shown to the surviving characters.

In the new edition of The Wolfman that released in 2010, there are movie posters that show another wolf-headed, silver cane.


Many of the great, classic horror movies are showcases for elegant and sophisticated walking canes. Bram Stroker’s Gothic tragedy Dracula has been reproduced in film several times, and the gentlemen that walk throughout the various films are often depicted with their walking canes.

Dr Jeckel, or is it Mr Hyde, is often pictured in his high-class dress, sporting his walking cane. Dr. Frankenstein, even the famous characters of Gothic American authors like Edgar Allan Poe often walked with canes, like Detective Dupin of the Purloined Letter and The Murders of the Rue Morgue. And think of Sherlock Holmes… Can you picture him without a walking cane and a stout, curving pipe? Even Jude Law as Watson in the newest rendition of the classic detective stories is shown on this movie poster with a walking cane.

So why do all of these stories of the Gothic times present themselves as such good places for a walking cane collection to appear? The answer is actually quite simple.

For centuries, gentlemen carried swords or daggers, often very ornate, as a sign of their wealth as well as a way to defend themselves. With the rise of firearms, armor, swords and other bladed instruments were made obsolete. To replace this sign of wealth, gentlemen began carrying walking canes. Even in the United States, John Adams and George Washington walked with ornate walking canes.

The Gothic Era of literature follows the American and French Revolutions, beginning in the early 1800's. At this point, walking canes were a staple in mens' fashion. Part of the romance of Gothic literature is how it plays into the lives of the wealthy and well-to-do. Often the protagonist is a gentleman, or walks in circles with the wealthy of the land. In all of these cases, it is only natural for a person in any Gothic tale to walk with a sturdy cane in hand.

So, whether you believe in the wolfman, or you just like the look of the wolfman cane, you can rest assured that you aren't the only one, as there is a long tradition of walking canes in Gothic stories.

Fashionable Canes on House, M.D. Season 6

Whether he's solving mystery diagnoses, snapping at patients or coming to terms with his experiences of tragedy and addiction, Dr. Gregory House keeps fans coming back for more. In the gripping season six, we've so far encountered a number of plot twists, including a covered-up murder and a marriage on the rocks. Yet what always catches my eye, episode after episode, is the selection of stylish walking canes used by the gruff and tough genius played by Hugh Laurie.

As the season kicks off with the premiere "Broken", House sports a medical offset-handle aluminum cane while at the treatment center. He eventually trades this for a darker, j-handle walnut cane that he used in seasons one and two. This smooth, richly finished walking stick has a sturdy and simple design and perhaps reflects a more somber tone, just as the ever-popular flame cane from seasons three and four showcases a wild and, as House puts it, "bitchin'" personality.

Other stunning additions to House's cane collection include the genuine alpacca tourist-handle cane from the charity casino night and a buffalo horn-tipped cane made of light maple wood. If you're an avid cane collector or simply a fanatic of the show, you'll be happy to know that fashionablecanes.com carries the full line of House cane replicas. The walnut cane used throughout season six is currently on sale, making it the perfect time for fans to pick up House memorabilia.

Don't forget to catch the next episode of House, M.D. on Fox Mondays at 8:00pm (7:00pm central). I don't know about you, but I'm excited to see what style of cane he chooses next.

Big and Tall Canes

Finding the perfect walking cane can be a challenge for anyone of any size with the limited selection of materials, lengths and designs out there to choose from. Now shoppers can rejoice in the new collection of stylish yet affordable walking sticks made exclusively for big and tall consumers at fashionablecanes.com.

While browsing through a selection of extra strength canes, I became impressed not only with their capacity to withstand up to 500 lbs of pressure but also with their beautiful craftsmanship that makes them stylish and useful accessories in any situation. Customers can enjoy the freedom of choosing between beechwood, exotic zebrano and other types of wooden canes, including an extra-strong cane with a blue-stained handle that matches blue jeans. Oversized derby handles offer a smooth, easy-grasp arch to provide a comfortable grip and the durable shafts are designed to help improve the stability and mobility of the user.

Suitable for those up to 7' tall, the extra long canes will reach the optimal height at just below the hip of taller people to prevent the discomfort of stooping provided by shorter, disproportionate canes. These tall canes come in a vast array of options to please any user, from beautifully stained ash and cherrywood canes to adjustable carbon fiber and aluminum walking sticks.

Anyone should be allowed the chance to enjoy an ergonomically correct cane no matter his size and stature. Unsurpassed in quality and innovative design, the products featured on fashionablecanes.com are the perfect choice because let's face it -- size matters.

Walking Cane Handle Types

The choice of cane handle is an important one for many reasons, ranging from stylistic choices to ease of grip and the level of support they provide to the user.
As many people begin shopping for their new cane, hiking stick or other walking aide, are unsure which of the many types of cane handles they should chose. From the classic tourist canes to the more modern ergonomically designed palm grip handles, there is a veritable array of options to choose from. But with a little guidance, anyone shopping for a walking aide can find the perfect handle design to fit their needs. Read on to help you decide which you would like to add to your collection.

• Tourist Canes
Also known as a Crook-Handle Cane or a J-Handle Cane, these canes offer the classic look of a Bishop's crook. Although other canes offer stronger support for your wrist, many people enjoy the Tourist Cane for its classic elegance and the convenience with which it hooks over the forearm or a coat hook.

• The Fritz Handle
The Fritz-Handle Cane features an open-ended handle that is designed specifically for an easy grip. "Its wide girth makes it so that even cramped fingers can easily grasp the handle and use this type of cane. The Fritz handle is a favorite among arthritic sufferers.

• The Derby Handle Cane
The Derby handle is another cane that is easy to grasp. It features one open end, like the Fritz handle, but also has a slight hook on an end to make it easy to hang on a coat hook, the edge of a table or even conveniently from your pants pocket while you get out your pocketbook. Look for either a standard Derby handle, or a derby handle with collar for a more elegant and sophisticated look.

• Palm-Grip Handle Canes
These canes are specially designed to conform to the palm of your hand. One look and you'll see why they make for such comfortable support. Be sure to order either right- or left-handed, as the designs are reversed for either grip.

• The Offset-Handle Canes
These canes offer a comfy padded grip to ease the pressure put onto your wrist from walking with a cane. They are often used with quad canes, as well as adjustable canes. They are a favorite among people who use a walking aide every day, as they are extremely comfortable and utilitarian. Even so, they are available in a wide range of beautiful colors and stylish patterns.

• The Root-Knob Handle Cane
A classic, natural look that is loved by hikers and any cane enthusiast who prefers a more natural look. These canes are extremely durable, as generally they are made of one solid piece of genuine hardwood. People who enjoy these also are fans of Irish Shillelaghs.

• Genuine Animal Horn Canes
Again for a natural look, these canes offer great style and accent any wardrobe.

• Ball Handle Canes
These are the classic canes carried by nineteenth century gentlemen. They come in a variety of styles, including vintage ball handles, that look as if they have real jewels as the ball-handle, or ball-handled organizational & military affiliation canes that show your support of a certain branch of the armed forces or other group.

These are only a few of the most popular handle types. Look through the vast selection at FashionableCanes.com for even more options ranging from animal-design handles to super-comfortable genuine leather handle canes.

Men's Canes & Ladies' Canes: What’s the Difference?

Between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries, European gentlemen started to replace their swords with canes as a statement of wealth and position in life. Nowadays, however, canes aren’t just a fashion statement for gentlemen. Women too have a use for them, and like other fashionable accents canes can sometimes be gender specific.

Have you ever wondered what, exactly, is the difference between men's canes and ladies' canes? Some might say it's hard to tell, but with the right eye you won't be walking about town looking too masculine or feminine.

Now, a cane is a cane is a cane. They're fashionable, they're supportive. What you want to look for is the style and design of said walking stick. Mens canes throughout history have tended to have a simple, monotone or natural wooden shaft with little design or ornamentation. Of course, this is not an exclusive rule, as spiral-carved canes are quite popular among men. However, when compared to some of the floral patterns of women's canes, the difference can easily be told. Take the Genuine Wenge Wood Cane found at FasihonableCanes.com. It has a dark brown shaft with a simple silver collar. The heads or handles of men's canes usually bear the majority of the ornamentation.

On the other hand, women's canes are generally colorful and ornate. Take the Fiesta Red Cane, for instance. Unlike a man's cane, it is a vibrant red and displays a beautiful floral pattern.

Of course, none of these trends are exclusive. There are many meticulously carved canes that are a great accent to a man's wardrobe, and the elegant look of a sleekly-designed cane can make a woman's appearance even more delicate and distinguished.

If you are like me, you’ve got a taste for something a little more ornate. No matter what kind of cane you’re looking for you’ll find a great selection at FashionableCanes.com.

I know I did.

The History of Walking Canes and Sticks

Cane History

The history of canes and walking sticks is extremely long and rich. Since humans began walking upright, canes and walking sticks have grown from being only a useful aid to a fashionable part of any man or woman's wardrobe.

Walking canes have appeared in the earliest parts of human history. In ancient Egypt, many of the gods are often depicted with walking canes or walking sticks, most namely Atum, creator of the gods and Amun-Ra, the king of all of the Egyptian deities. The Pharaohs themselves were often depicted with a shepherds crook, a symbol of their rule.

Later, in ancient Greece, the gods are often shown with walking sticks and canes. Why, exactly, the walking stick developed as a common symbol in ancient mythology is up to speculation, but a reasonable assumption would be because of their common use in the world.
As early as humans have been domesticating animals as a food source, shepherds quickly learned the usefulness of having a walking stick handy, as it often came in handy in herding their animals, combating thieves and wild predators. The common shepherd's crook-style handle is still a popular choice in handles today, although the technical name has changed to a Tourist cane.

The cane became a symbol of power and authority early and often, as evidenced in ancient Indian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman myth and literature. Even in the Catholic Church the Crook became a powerful symbol, representing the Bishop's office.

Throughout the middle ages, gentlemen carried weapons by necessity and an ornament that declared their status in life. Gradually, between the turn of the fifteenth and eighteenth century, as firearms began to rise in popularity, the cane began to replace the sword as a fashion statement. This is evidenced in many parts of romantic and reformation Europe, but most notably so in Marie Antoinette's walking stick.

Although swords were fading in popularity, even the most distinguished gentleman found the need to defend himself. And so, though ingenious design, the sword cane and sword stick were invented.

As they rose in popularity and range of use, many different styles began to arise. For therapeutic purposes, more ergonomic designs came to be, including the classic Fritz handle that easily fits the hand, and evenly distributes the weight of the bearer through the cane shaft. More elegant handle canes also became popular, like scrimshaw, precious metal and horn handles.

They remained a powerful image of military leaders, and still retain that symbol today. Military canes are easily come to mind with any of the popular images of generals from Napoleon to Patton.

Today, these staples in our history are used for a range of reasons, from formal dress canes to therapeutic walking sticks, and come in a range of designs that include seat canes, canes with hidden flasks, men's canes, women's canes and more. Aided by developments in technology, this integral part of our history are now made using an array of durable materials. Canes are now constructed of carbon-fiber, solid hardwood, and the ever-popular lightweight aluminum canes.