African Walking Stick

African Walking Stick - Knobkerrie

The Zulu are perhaps the most combative ethnic group in South Africa. In the early 1800's, the Zulu King Shaka subjugated the vast area of land between the Phongolo and Mzimkhulu rivers and laid the foundations for the Zulu Nation. In 1879, the Zulu handed the British one of the most humiliating defeats in history at the battle of Isandlwana, when they annihilated an entire column of 1200 Englishmen (who were supported by artillery and cavalry) with little more than their isihlangus (cowhide shields) andassegais (short stabbing spears).

What distinguishes the Zulu people most is their fondness for using a walking stick / club called knobkerrie (also spelledknobkierie, knobkerry or knopkierie). Most of these hand-made sticks are crafted from indigenous African hardwoods such as wild olive, pink ivory or red bushwillow, and are topped with a distinctive ball or knob.

Adapted for the western marketplace, the Cold Steel® African walking stick features some of the best parts of traditional Zulu kerries like the undulating shaft and the traditional geodesic ball grip. However, it is made out of black polypropylene instead of costly exotic hardwood and is therefore not only unbreakable but also impervious to the elements. It will neither rot, warp,crack, splinter, swell, shrink, mildew or fade. Although it is primarily intended to serve as a walking stick, it can also be used as a pointer, lever or prod and act as a self-defense tool in an emergency situation.

Details:
- Material: black polypropylene
- Overall length: approx. 94 cm
- Weight: approx. 717 g
- Thickness: approx. 7 cm (head), 4.4 cm (neck), 3.2 cm (base)
- Cold Steel® Product No.: 91WAS