<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr><p>For me a hiking staff (or walking stick in urban mode) is a virtual essential with numerous uses, one of which could be self defense<p><hr></blockquote><p> That's the way I see it - too many uses to list. Since it sounds like that may not be fashionable for many folks to lug around / keep at work, how about scanning the office cleaning supplies closet for what might be adaptable and making mental note of that? Just another option...