Some of you might find this blog entry and maybe this umbrella of interest.

An umbrella that can take a beating is what's required!! One of the weapons I train with is called a Hanbo. It's a 3ft stick essentially, but would've been a cane/walking stick in ancient Japan. An umbrella would be a great defensive weapon against would-be assailants if it could stand up to a knock or two...

...or had a concealed sword inside it
May have just gone a bit James Bond there.

Those are class, and reminded me of the Blade sword design

Such things are banned in the UK, although it is not illegal to own one, it is illegal to carry or trade in them in any way.

As for Mark's contribution, first of all, I would have to say very nice, and while, in time I would be happy to add fantasy swords to the mix, I would probably stick to reproductions of genuine movie swords, such as the LOTR swords readily available.

There is an offer at the moment on Conan's sword down from £145 to £101, but if it's still available after all these years since the movie, I might get it one day.

I was reminded today of what other people spend their money on- one of my colleagues has tattoos on his arm that would have paid for a full set of decent Samurai swords, and he has a motorbike as a fun vehicle, not an essential one.

I don't drink (much) and I don't smoke, so if I want to hack at various items in the garden, then that's my business.

So true. Everybody has their own spending habits. It's all a matter of priorities. Right now, mine is paying off debt!