Unlike many modern weapons, the history of sword canes is slightly difficult to unravel. They make appearances in both western and eastern works of period fiction, as weapons of everyone from gentlemen to wandering dangerous-types. Currently, they are manufactured and sold to collectors, and are illegal (as concealed weapons) in many parts of the country.

In the west, cane-swords are often associated with gentlemanly characters who may have need for a readily accessible weapon. Usually, they inhabit works of fiction based in 19th century Europe. They feature a release button that frees the blade from the cane/scabbard, and a locking catch that activates as the blade is reinserted into the scabbard.

Sword Walking Canes in the East

In the east, one of the most well known fictitious characters to carry a sword cane is the blind swordsman Zatoichi. Masquerading as a masseuse, Zatoichi would protect innocent civilians in Edo period Japan from stray sword blades and rogues. Zatoichi's sword, like European sword canes, is weaker than standard swords, but has the advantage in its ability to surprise the enemy.

In many works of fiction that take place in post-Edo Japan, sword canes are a staple of bandits and other roguish characters. During that time, carrying a katana was all but illegal in Japan--even members of the army or of the police carried western-style sabers. The rapidly westernizing government outlawed traditional swords in order to unite the country and dissuade the former samurai class from holding onto their occupations and outdated caste system.