Traditional Blackthorn Sticks

[Chas]

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')

Here's a thing. In the UK, you can tell a stick is a blackthorn, because it is black. And because most are acquired through retail outlets, having been made in Ireland, I have always assumed that it was some sort of cultural thing and have never questioned it. If it is knobbly and black, it is a blackthorn and it is Irish.

I will have to pay closer attention in future to the sticks I see.

Regards

Chas