[kmtrowbr]

I am not a violent person. I always seek to de-escalate at every turn & I'm very good at it.

Most incidents turn on the smallest details. A 4' metal pole with a sharp point on the end is a very meaningful thing to have in your hand. 99% of any incidents will be with dogs. So it's more about appearing big and formidable than it is actually needing to fight. Do not run. Stand, brandish your weapon, and make noise. People aren't that different from dogs. This is one of nature's strategies: appear big & scary.

If you were hiking and descending many challenging pistes with slippery rocks and whatnot, you would be happy to have a walking stick to help you.