Traditional Blackthorn Sticks

[CMcG]

I think a blackthorn stick makes a great kilt accessory. Does anyone else agree? Yes, I know a cromach is a more traditional Scottish walking stick and blackthorns are more associated with the Irish, but I think a blackthorn is a bit more suitable for the city. I also am a supporter of not only THCD, but also Irish kilts


For those who don't know, the blackthorn has been used by the Irish not only as a walking stick, but also as a weapon (aka shillelagh) for ages. There are even some surviving or recreated martial arts called bataireacht or stick fighting, click for a link with more info. I've had the pleasure (and pain!) of training with Glen Doyle in his family style.

Anyway, there are a few companies online that offer what I think are some pretty sweet, traditional, "Donnybrook" worthy sticks.

Olde Shillelagh Stick Makers has a wide range of options, including decorative and fighting sticks:
http://misticshillelagh.tripod.com/

There is an eBay seller by the name of purplemrsmog who sometimes has really nice, natural, oil-treated blackthorns:
http://myworld.ebay.ca/purplemrsmog/

Last, but definitely not least, is Nollaig Mac Aodha. He's a martial artist and is a newer stick maker who has been doing some really fine work. His facebook page is private, so you'd have to ask to join...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/143811695634371/

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I'd love to find a really good stout blackthorn.

Given your proclivity for the martial, I'd expect you might want something special in a blackthorn. Perhaps one with an oil finish, rather than lacquer, because it is more durable -- though less shiny? And one without thorns on the shaft, plus a decent sized knob on top?

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And now for some pics. I've only got one online and my blackthorns are back in Canada. Does anyone else have kilt + blackthorn pics?

[Panache]

I have a number of walking sticks and my blackthorn is my very favorite




I was lucky to come across a nice thick one, apparently they are getting harder to come by.

Cheers

Jamie

[ForresterModern]

Stone Mountain Games 2010 Xmarks gathering. I (green tweed and maroon balmoral just left of center) have a twisted maple walking stick and Atlanta Kiltie has a stick of unknown style, perhaps he will chime in.

I also have a similar twisted hickory walking stick as wel as a true blackthorn from Ireland, that I picked up for a song a year or so ago when J Peterman was clearing out their leftover catalogue stock. Sorry, no pic's of them yet though.

[Riverkilt]

Aye,

[artificer]

I agree! I'm starting research into a walking stick for when I finally need my knees rebuilt, and a real Blackthorn is one of the things that's on my short list.

BTW: I'd ALWAYS go oil finish over a poly, lacquer, or other coating. Oil penetrates and polymerizes giving a harder and better lasting finish.

I actually tung oiled the walnut dining table I built, it took 3 weeks of constant, patient, buffing and re-oiling, but it's nearly indestructible. (the table is ~5' x 12')

[Dale Seago]

Given your proclivity for the martial, I'd expect you might want something special in a blackthorn. Perhaps one with an oil finish, rather than lacquer, because it is more durable -- though less shiny? And one without thorns on the shaft, plus a decent sized knob on top?

Thanks for the links! And I'm familiar with bataireacht.

And you're right about the sort I'd like. We use sticks of around that length, not just for the obvious striking stuff, but for grappling & joint locks, chokes, and throws as well; and we tend to favor being able to use a "sliding" grip on the shaft which allows us to do a lot of deceptive things regarding range/distance and leverage (and which carry over into longer weapons such as spears and halberds as well). So thorns on the shaft would be a no-no, though somewhat smoothed-over knots/bumps where the thorns were is still, from my personal experience, just fine.

And I do favor a substantial root-knob. . .not, as some might think, to facilitate its use as a club, but. . .

<drumroll>

Are y'all ready for this?

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. . .as a rest for the hand when using it as. . .

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. . .a WALKING STICK!!




(EDIT: I just sent in a order query regarding #61E under Walking Sticks 37-41" at http://misticshillelagh.tripod.com/)

[Mickey]

CMcG, thanks for the links! Those are great.

I actually tung oiled the walnut dining table I built, it took 3 weeks of constant, patient, buffing and re-oiling, but it's nearly indestructible. (the table is ~5' x 12')

Just as a sidenote, if you do any more woodwork where you want an oil finish, I HIGHLY recommend a product called Permalyn, from Laurel Mountain Forge. It is a gun stock finish that is quite superior to tung oil. It is worked very similar, but is faster curing, dries harder yet more flexible, Is much more resistant to temp and humidity, and like oil, you can go anywhere from satin to high gloss.

I stopped using tung oil over 20 years ago when I came across this. It is the only thing that touches any of my wood or cork projects. You can get it at Brownells and I know Track of The Wolf used to carry it. Don't know if they still do.

[Dale Seago]

Hey Mickey, thanks for that product reference!!

[Downunder Kilt]

I have a number of walking sticks and my blackthorn is my very favorite




I was lucky to come across a nice thick one, apparently they are getting harder to come by.

Cheers

Jamie

As far as I am concerned, your stick Jamie, has the most perfect dimensions for a blackthorn walking stick that I have ever seen. How does in feel in the hand? Too many that you see on various vendor sites appear too spindly to me.

[Mickey]

Hey Mickey, thanks for that product reference!!

My pleasure Dale. Give it a shot. Laurel Mountain at one time had a bit of a tutorial on using it. There is a slight learning curve, but IMO, there is nothing better.