Although the use of the umbrella in the videos below is less than elegant, the umbrella appears quite durable and deceptively innocent. Perhaps it could be an effective and unobtrusive tool for historic methods of self-defense. My interest is piqued and I think yours will be, too.
I’ve not had the chance to personally inspect or use one of these umbrellas. As a result, I cannot endorse the product; neither can CCF. If you have personal experience with the umbrella, I would certainly like to hear your assessment by commenting below.
Some interesting links:
Self-Defence With An Umbrella (Daily Mirror, Jan. 9 1902)
Nicolas Sarkozy Uses Armour-Plated Umbrella
“The Umbrella as a Weapon of Defence” (Popular Mechanics, 1908)
Columbia Classical Fencing, LLC 