(i might be a little Bias) I've got 3 White/Red Oak Training Canes
I agree, the surface lightly burnt, sanded and lacquered, greatly helps.
Studied Dan Inosanto filipino style and used rattan short sticks (baston). Lightish, but you have to severely beat on an oak tree trunk to damage them.
My cane is probably 30 years old. It lives in my truck for the most part. It draws little suspicion during a midnight 7-11 run.