It must be something about the handle design and use. I've seen you post this a couple of times and my first thought was, "I can make a trekking pole the shorter length to use as a cane....". Can you elaborate or shed a better light on that Brad?
Pretty simple really - set your trekking pole at 90 cm and try to use it like a cane. Go for a 10 mile walk. You won't enjoy the experience because your hand and wrist will be tortured into a vertical position. A cane allows the hand and wrist to remain in a horizontal and more comfortable position just like an ice axe. Apart from the obvious pick and adze, ever wonder why a walking ice axe is essentially shaped like a cane? You carry it by the head just like you would a cane. Far more comfortable and stable than the vertical design of a shortened trekking pole.
