Excellent quality!! My actual uses have been for rain and somewhat as a cane. It is a terrific umbrella for rain, with a broad canopy and push-button opening. At present I don’t need a cane much but did in the recent past. It is definitely strong enough for that though a bit long for my height (5-10) but still very usable. I have had no occasion to use it in self-defense but its strength is the basic reason I got it vs. other umbrellas. It offers some possibilities, which might never be needed but are there. Suggestions: a full-curved handle, and maybe a choice of a few lengths. But it is excellent as is.