Aloha OBG,

While it might not seem to be moving very fast, the tip is moving at a pretty mighty clip. And the longer the cane, the faster the velocity at the tip, assuming the cane is swung at the same speed. The velocity and therefore, force at the tip is much greater than at your hand.

If you can make contact, you will probably get the job done and buy yourself time for your next action whther it be follow up or flee.