When I was a Federal Agent, we took some very basic lessons on self defense. Our instructor was a national karate champion.
One thing which sticks in my mind was if the bad guy has a gun, don’t try anything unless you are sure he is going to use it.
I am old enough that carrying a cold steel simulated Irish Blackthorne walking stick does not look odd. It is basically a large club made of extremely tough material.
When it comes to it tho, nothing compares to a gun. Next is a big knife.
I have thought about getting an extendable club. I’m fairly good with a bo staff....but can’t carry one of those with me on the side. LOL!
Yes, a knife is useful too. When I travel on airlines it is in my checked baggage, a Kershaw Leek assisted opening. Sometimes when my CCW license has reciprocity with the state I am travelling to I will check my pistol and a box of ammo. But the airline personnel are so uninformed it is a different hassle every time. Some just make up their own rules.
I’d take the walking stick over the knife, much better reach.