I carry a 1LB(?), 6"Lx1"D walking stick that was a tap root. Tap roots are very hard wood.

1 friend uses a cane made of 1/4" piping with the handle curved over like a Shepherd's Staff.

I bought a friend a 5'Lx1 1/2"D walking stick.

Both friends use their cane/staff to protect themselves from dogs while on their neighborhood walks.