Traditional Blackthorn Sticks

[Ryan Ross]

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

Wouldn't you know it... Same one that caught my eye.

Figures.

[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

[artificer]

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

I wasn't referring to anything other than the coating/finishing. Lacquer or acrylic will chip - oil goes in.

CMcG, thanks for the links! Those are great.



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.

You're right on there.

The stuff I used was a modified Tung, and is completely water resistant. When I was doing tests I left a sweaty, ice-cold glass on all the samples for two days, refilling with ice water when they'd get too warm. This stuff was bullet-proof.

ith:

[CMcG]

...

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

The blackthorn in the picture I posted is a bit spindly but my other one is more substantial. I definitely prefer the more solid one.

From what I understand, there may bit a bit of a renaissance in traditional stick making going on in Ireland. Nothing large scale, rather a few younger people who are becoming interested in learning the old skills.

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.

I have heard various explanations about the origins of the black colour, from smoking the sticks to help dry them, to leaving them in peat or manure to cure them. If a blackthorn is treated with just oil or lacquer, however, it is more likely to be a dark, purplish colour.

For further consideration, many sticks out there sold as "blackthorns" might actually be hawthorn, whitethorn, hazel, or even crab apple. All these apparently make a nice stick but a bit of black paint let's them be sold for a premium in retail outlets.

I don't own an oil treated blackthorn yet, but I've been lusting after one for a while...

[Dale Seago]

Wouldn't you know it... Same one that caught my eye.

Figures.

Aye, it does. I just pulled the PayPal trigger.

[Chas]

I have heard various explanations about the origins of the black colour, from smoking the sticks to help dry them, to leaving them in peat or manure to cure them. If a blackthorn is treated with just oil or lacquer, however, it is more likely to be a dark, purplish colour.

For further consideration, many sticks out there sold as "blackthorns" might actually be hawthorn, whitethorn, hazel, or even crab apple. All these apparently make a nice stick but a bit of black paint let's them be sold for a premium in retail outlets.

I don't own an oil treated blackthorn yet, but I've been lusting after one for a while...

This is what I meant. All the blackthorn sticks I have seen were black and shiny - as if they had been painted. That's what I meant by a cultural thing - I thought that was how they were made.

Regards

Chas

[creagdhubh]

Lovely sticks, gents! I just can't see myself not having one of my cromachs at hand whilst in Highland attire attending a games or a gathering of some sort. I need something (high-up) to rest my hands and arms on, especially after a few drams!

Cromachs are also particularly suited to clan chiefs, as they are often regarded as 'shepherds of their flock,' meaning the leader of their clan. Personally, I like how my chief, Sir William Alan Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie, TD once put it, "I am merely a first among equals."

I do like the look of the Blackhorn stick, though. Very smart indeed.

Cheers,

[Tobus]

From what I understand, there may bit a bit of a renaissance in traditional stick making going on in Ireland. Nothing large scale, rather a few younger people who are becoming interested in learning the old skills.

Not just Ireland. Scotland, Wales, and England are experiencing a similar trend. Stickmaking is a big deal there, rapidly gaining in popularity as an 'artisan' craft. It is so popular at the moment (and there is such a demand for quality hand-crafted sticks) that the price and availability of traditional sticks has really skyrocketed. And many of the craftsmen cannot keep any in stock. They are selling them as fast as they can make them.

At any rate, I think the blackthorn sticks look great, and definitely lend a particular style to a fellow wearing a kilt. Like Kyle, I personally prefer the taller cromach, but if I were a city fellow, a shorter knobby blackthorn stick would be just the thing!

I'm also a fan of the looks of shorter sticks with hames on top, though they tend to be more "dressy" in appearance.

[artificer]

BTW threads like this aren't helping my attempts to keeps spending down. I'm teetering right on the edge of another purchase, thanks to you lot.

ith:

[creagdhubh]

BTW threads like this aren't helping my attempts to keeps spending down. I'm teetering right on the edge of another purchase, thanks to you lot.

ith:

Tell me about it!