Frequently Asked Questions

Most canes can be shipped the same week it is ordered with delivery time ranging from two to four days. If you need a rush order let Bob know and he will personally do all he can to serve you immediately.

Whether you purchase a wooden or polycarbonate My 3rd Leg cane you can feel confident that it will support your weight. Wood is a natural material and could have voids, fine cracks or weak spots inside that cannot be detected and therefore the strength of any piece of wood cannot be guaranteed against breaking. Pennsylvania State testing laboratories was hired to test and certify that the wooden and polycarbonate canes, when used properly, will easily hold the weight of a three hundred pound person.

My 3rd Leg is a start up company. This is the first time canes have been sold online. Bob is taking things slowly at this point to make sure he doesn’t, as the saying goes, “bite off more than he can chew”.

The process of Gas Assisted Injection Molding produces a cane that has a hollow center. There are advantages of having a cylindrical structure over having a solid one. Cylinders are lighter in weight than a solid piece and the cylinder is stronger by weight than a solid cane would be. The channel running down the center of each bone provides Bob with several options. Electrical components and wires can be installed in this hollow area. Following are some possibilities that Bob wants to incorporate into his canes in the future:

• The hollow handle will be fitted with an emergency alarm to alert others of an emergency or an attacker..
• The handle will have a pepper spray dispenser that allows a chemical to be shot from the ball of the handle.
• A small LED (Light Emitting Diode) will be fitted into the handle to light up a key hole in a door during darkness.
• A string of LED lights will be placed in the shaft of the cane. These lights will be switched on to make the whole cane light up at night.
• A LED will be installed at the bottom of the cane to illuminate a walk-way or dark road.

Bob is always thinking of ways to improve his product and he encourages others to send him their ideas.

The unique design of the cane sets it apart from the ordinary everyday common cane you might find in a drug store. Bob has learned that people want his cane because it is unique and novel idea. Following are some thoughts brought on by previous customers:

A gentleman was told by his doctor that he should use a cane. He refused to because he felt that a cane is a sign of old age and weakness. His daughter presented him with a My 3rd Leg cane. He loved the humor in it and now uses it everyday. He enjoys the attention it brings.
A young middle school student broke her ankle during a sporting event. Her mother wanted her to use her grandfather’s cane while she recovered. Once the girl no longer needed her crutches she chose to purchase a My 3rd Leg cane. She and her cane instantly became the talk of the school.
A medical professional retired and his office friends wanted to present him with a special gift to commemorate his retirement. They purchased a leg bone cane and had it inscribed

Hand carved wooden canes hopefully will gain in value as a collector’s cane but like any original art, they are expensive. Each cane requires approximately twenty hours to complete. Many people who need or want a cane simply can not afford a wooden one. The solution is to provide a polycarbonate cane that looks like the wooden cane, has all of the desired properties, and is more affordable.

Choosing the proper size cane is important. If you need a cane for medical reasons you should consult your doctor prior to purchasing one. As a general rule a cane should be one half of a person’s height. Another method of determining the length of a cane is as follows: Wearing your normal shoes, stand straight with your hands hanging naturally to your sides. The distance from the floor to your wrist is the length cane you will need. Ordering a cane slightly longer than what you need is recommended.

A My 3rd Leg cane is not for everyone. Shop around, learn about types and styles available, compare costs, and then decide which is the best cane for you The unique design sets a My 3rd Leg cane apart from other canes available. The handle was designed for comfort and ease of use. Unlike other canes, it is fun to use and will attract a lot of attention A My 3rd Leg cane will provide you with many years of comfort, strength, durability, and service. Remember you are also getting Bob’s guarantee of 100% satisfaction.

Often a person needs both hands to perform a task and the cane must temporarily be released. The use of a wrist strap would allow a person to hand the cane on his/her arm. A wrist strap should never be used when actually walking with a cane. If a person trips and falls the strap may cause injury to a person’s wrist or have other serious consequences. A wrist strap is similar to a camera strap and is used to prevent your cane from slipping out of your hand. The polycarbonate My 3rd Leg cane is extremely tough and should take almost any abuse without breaking. The wooden canes might break if they are dropped and hit just right. When the ball of the cane is placed in the pit of your arm, it is quite secure but if you feel the need for a strap there are many types and styles on the market today. One simple solution is to wrap a rubber band around the bottom of your cane. The rubber band is always handy if you need a wrist strap or a way of hanging your cane. If you lean your cane against a wall, always try to place it in a corner and upside down with the rubber tip against the wall.

The first My 3rd Leg cane was designed and carved out of necessity. After having total hip replacement he needed and wanted a cane that was different. Canes are sometimes symbols of old age and weakness but Bob wanted a cane that would be fun. As its interest and popularity grew, a company evolved. In 2004 Bob had his cane patented. He listed a couple of canes on eBay and sold several canes out of the trunk of his car until he went into business in 2009. Bob sells this style cane because he is proud of it. It is fun for people to carry, it turns heads, makes people smile, and it promotes conversation. Other canes are just functional walking aids.

Bob’s best advice is to hold the cane the way it feels most comfortable for you. It was designed to be held by placing your thumb and index finger around the neck, just below the ball. With the ball facing forward your palm should rest comfortably on the handle of the cane and your wrist should be straight. The 15 degree angle of the handle allows your wrist to remain straight and will become less tired. The large contoured surface that your palm rests on distributes the pressure over a large area making the My 3rd Leg cane more comfortable.

There are many types of plastic materials and also many processes that can be used to produce a cane. After speaking with several plastics experts and a lot of careful consideration Bob chose the process known as gas assisted injection molding. A tool/mold had to be designed and machined by highly skilled tool and die experts. Once completed, hot molten plastic is injected into the mold cavity under high pressure. A blast of high pressure nitrogen gas disperses and distributes the plastic uniformly throughout the mold cavity. Once the plastic cools and becomes a solid it is removed from the mold and stored for further processing. The plastic material chosen is glass filled polycarbonate. It is an extremely strong, tough, impact resistant plastic especially designed for Bob’s cane. The cane was tested by Penn State testing Laboratory and is certified to hold at least, the weight of a three hundred pound person.

The weight of a cane is determined by two main factors. The length of the cane and the material it is made from. All My 3rd Leg canes weigh between 14 ounces and 21 ounces. Polycarbonate canes are usually heavier than the wooden ones because the density of plastic is greater than that of wood. Some people prefer the slightly heavier cane while others prefer the lighter weight cane. All My 3rd Leg canes are very strong and durable.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Over the past several years Bob has used and experimented with many types of wood and has had many degrees of success. There are two woods that have stood out. Cost, availability, strength, weight, and how well they carved were all considerations. Bob chose Chinaberry (Jempinis) and Teak.

Jempinis or Chinaberry wood is grown in the Southern United States from Virginia to Florida and westward to Texas. It is also grown in Central America, the Virgin Islands, Asia and Puerto Rico. It is known for it beautiful grain and its easiness to carve.

Teak has a high degree of natural durability, is moderately hard and heavy with low stiffness and shock resistance but has an excellent decay resistance and dimensional stability. Teak is moderately easy to carve. The grain, although beautiful, often has distinct shades of light and dark colors.

After Bob applied for and received his patent he listed a cane on eBay. When the auction was over the winning bid was $257.00. The person who lost the bid contacted Bob later that night to request a cane for the same price. A second auction on eBay brought $305.00 from a cane collector.

My 3rd Leg canes have now been sold in five countries.

My 3rd Leg canes come with Bob’s personal guarantee of 100% satisfaction. Customer service is always his number one goal. If you are ever not happy with your cane Bob will personally discuss the matter with you and resolve any problems. If you return an unaltered cane within two weeks of delivery your money will be refunded or Bob will replace your cane absolutely free of charge. A handling fee of ten dollars ($10.00) will be applied.

The best method of ordering a cane is to call Bob on his cell phone 315 796-2263 or email him at bob@my3rdleg.com. He will be glad to personally take your order of answer any questions.

In any business as well as in most aspects of life communication is extremely important. Bob encourages customers to call or email any thoughts, comments or suggestions to him. It is through customer comments that Bob can learn and know how to do an even better job of serving his customers. Bob also welcomes feedback from customers who have time tested the cane. Feedback whether it is good or bad is helpful and most welcome.

Most canes can be shipped the same day with delivery time ranging from two to four days. If you need a rush order let Bob know and he will personally do all he can to serve you immediately.

My 3rd Leg canes are fully guaranteed and backed by Bob’s word. His number one goal is customer satisfaction. If you return an unaltered cane within two weeks of delivery it will either be replaced or you will receive a full refund. A $10.00 handling fee may be applied.

Yes. If a customer would like their cane refinished it can be done for a small fee. Please contact Bob and talk to him about your needs prior to returning it.

Polycarbonate canes are molded in a natural color which is bone white. To color them requires a coloring agent be added to the stock plastic prior to having them injection molded. It could be done but it would be too expensive on small quantities of canes. Painting individual canes would be more cost effective. Call for prices.

Wooden canes are sold with a bone white finish or natural wood with a clear coat of gloss protective finish. Special order colors can be applied if desired. Call for prices.

Most people who purchase a My 3rd Leg cane buy the bone white wooden or polycarbonate cane. Although they love the beauty of the wood grain they prefer the bone white because it look more like real bone. Regardless of color or material, canes can be personalized in several ways:

Motorcycle riders often like to paint their cane the colors of their bikes. Decals or stickers can be added.

My 3rd Leg, Inc can apply text to your cane and even apply a photo from a digital image that you supply. Any graphic or painting should be clear coated after it is applied to the cane to make sure it is permanent.

Wooden canes that have a clear coat of transparent gloss finish are protected by this quality hard almost indestructible finish and are nearly care free. All hand carve wooden My 3rd leg canes should be treated just like any piece of furniture. A light furniture polish is all you need to maintain the quality finish. Soil can be removed by gently rubbing them with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Polycarbonate canes are made from a highly resistant plastic that should not need any care other than an occasional washing. This surface cane even be rubbed with an abrasive if necessary. Canes that are colored with paint need greater care. Soil can be removed by wiping the surface with a damp cloth with detergent. A coat of furniture polish will bring back the luster and protect the finish.

NOTE: Be very careful with any text or graphic that has been applied to the cane’s surface

The hand carved wooden canes cost $199.99 and the polycarbonate My 3rd Leg canes cost $79.95 plus tax & shipping. Special order canes will vary in price depending on the finish and artwork desired.

Serious cane collectors have asked Bob for a certificate of authenticity for his hand carved wood canes. Each cane is numbered and comes with a certificate signed by the artist. My 3rd Leg canes should last for a long time and be handed down from generation to generation. The certificate validates the cane as a genuine My 3rd Leg cane.

Bob is encouraged after talking to a few large organizations. He knows that the canes will sell as a walking aid but he believe it will also sell as a promotional item. He knows that the cane attracts attention and interest and he knows that information can be applied to the femur of the cane. The message would have to be brief advertisement such as Dr. David Robinson Chiropractor. A well know business such a Stryker Medical Products need only put their name on a cane. A cane that is painted with school colors could be sold in University book stores. Columbia Medical School for example may purchase hundreds of canes. What if there was a physical therapy convention with five thousand registered guests attending. What a great keepsake a polycarbonate cane would make. It would read “Physical Therapy convention 2016” Other ideas are a green cane that says “Go Green” or “Irish to The Bone”. Maybe a white cane with pink lettering and a pink croc that reads “Kick Breast Cancer”. These canes would simply be promotional items made from a lesser quality, light weight material so that Bob could bring the price way down. Canes sold in large quantities could be purchased for slightly over cost and still bring in a lot of revenue. A business interested in talking about this concept should contact Bob at 315 796-2263 or at his email address.

Business owners are also encouraged to contact Bob for discounted prices on quantity canes. Bob will sell canes wholesale in boxes of twelve. Businesses should contact Bob to express their needs. 315 796-2263.

The polycarbonate cane not only costs less but it also has characteristics that can’t be matched by the wooden one. A polycarbonate cane would be an excellent addition to your outdoor gear since it is almost indestructible. It will be able to withstand water, mud, extreme temperatures, and the rugged conditions often encountered on hiking trails. Whether you’re undertaking an extended backpacking trip, or just going out for a brisk day’s hike on the road you can always use a Third Leg.

Walking and hiking are popular activities today and many people like to carry a walking stick or cane for protection. The cane can actually be used to burn calories and help to build muscle tone and upper body strength. A cane can be very fashionable but the majority of people who purchase one need assistance while walking. They often have a permanent disability and need assistance getting around. A cane can not only reduce fatigue but it helps to stabilize a person and prevent injury from falling. Others may only need a cane temporarily while they recover from an injury or operation. Once a person gets accustomed to using a cane, using one begins to feel natural. People who need a cane and refuse to use one may be doing further damage to their body. People who sway from side to side as they walk could greatly improve their gait simply by carrying a cane. A cane can not only improve a person’s gait as they walk, it can help correct the problem permanently by teaching their body proper posture.

Walking stick is used primarily for recreational walking or exercise while a cane is used by people who need assistance with balance or support due to a weakened or painful limb or joint. A My 3rd Leg cane could be used as a walking stick or a medical cane.

Canes are often used to assist in balance, widen ones base of support, and decrease weight bearing on a lower extremity. In order to achieve these functions, however, one must know how to properly use a cane.

If you are using a cane to assist you in walking you can hold the handle in the hand that makes you feel most comfortable. If you are using a cane to assist you in walking with a weak or injured leg hold the cane in the hand opposite the affected leg. For example, if your right leg is injured use the cane in your left hand and move the cane simultaneously with the injured leg. Place the cane ahead of you while transferring some of your weight on the cane. Your full weight should be applied to the uninjured leg while the cane carries a percentage of your weight as you stem on the injured side.

When climbing stairs use the same sequence of movements as explained above. If there is a railing, hold onto it with your free hand. Place the cane on the step ahead of you and step up with the weak or injured leg, then if you are steady and can maintain your balance step up with the other. When descending stairs you simply reverse the procedure.

Use caution when walking from outside to inside on rainy days. Wet can tips on tile floors can be very dangerous. Be sure your cane is planted firmly on the ground before placing any weight on it. The tip should be even with the instep of your weaker foot and your stride should be shortened slightly.

Cane-Do Kai and ACSD (American Cane Self Defense) are methods of using a cane to defend you. Techniques for using a cane for protection are being taught at senior citizen centers throughout America. Knives, guns and even sticks are considered to be weapons and are illegal to carry without a permit. A cane can be just as lethal yet they can be carried anywhere, even on airplanes. Bob calls this self defense method “Cane Fu”.

Having never enrolled in a self defense course in use of a cane Bob is not an authority on the subject but in his opinion hardy thump on the head or a stab in the groin might do the trick. In actuality, simply carrying a cane is a deterrent against any intruder. If you want to carry it to the next level, enroll in martial arts class and learn how to use a cane for self defense.