Material sometimes used for the construction of canes:

• Rattan (similar to bamboo) [*]
• Nylon
• Polyethylene (presumably LDPE, not HDPE?)
• Delrin
• Teflon [$$]

[*] indicates that it's not available from McMaster Carr
[$] indicates it's available, but is significantly more expensive than the others

Materials discussions:

• Nylon 6 vs. Nylon 66 vs. Delrin, and suggested diameters (apparently 3/8" to 1/2" are the best?)
• forums to search:
  • worldspankingforum.com
  • britishcaningsociety.com
• 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" seem to be common thicknesses?

Configuration: [1]

• one thick rod
• several thinner rods
• one thick rod, doubled over, in a "rug beater" configuration