Stick Questions for our Native Scots

**creagdhubh** · 18th April 12, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

Interesting. I suppose there's plenty of room for personal preferences. But I usually see it said that the ideal height should be right at your nipple. And this happens to correspond with the ideal height usually recommended for a hiking staff. I don't use my cromach for rough hiking, but my usual hiking staffs are long enough that my hand grabs them just above the level of my elbow. I've experimented with all different heights, and this seems to work best. Especially in the extremely hilly terrain I live in. So it seems a perfect fit for me, using a cromach in the same manner. Using one at sternum height would drive me crazy, even though it's only a couple of inches lower. But, again, it's all personal preference.

I've paid particular attention to the heights of cromachs used by native Highlanders, and it's all over the map. They range from barely higher than the waist, all the way up to cromachs that come up to the cheekbones! Apparently there's no hard-and-fast rule.

Tobus,

I had mentioned mid to lower (xiphoid process) sternum for where the very top part of the handle would come to, and on me (I am 5' 10" tall), that is precisely at nipple height, if not just a wee bit higher. See the photos below. I couldn't stand a shorter cromach either!

Cheers,

**MacLowlife** · 18th April 12, 03:55 PM

Other sticks?

In addition to cromachs, blackthorn sticks, and market sticks, I have seen a sort of decorative walking stick, with a hand-sized carved salmon mounted transversely. I expect it could be used as a handle or more as a sceptre, perhaps, in a procession. Similarly, I remember many a Boy Scout leader having a staff made from a sapling that had become entwined with a large vine. Sometimes the top was carved to resemble a snake's head, sometimes it would be just a knob. And then there is the simple crook-handled cane.

Any comments as to their suitability for THCD? Other sticks?

**Bugbear** · 18th April 12, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

Other sticks?

In addition to cromachs, blackthorn sticks, and market sticks, I have seen a sort of decorative walking stick, with a hand-sized carved salmon mounted transversely. I expect it could be used as a handle or more as a sceptre, perhaps, in a procession. Similarly, I remember many a Boy Scout leader having a staff made from a sapling that had become entwined with a large vine. Sometimes the top was carved to resemble a snake's head, sometimes it would be just a knob. And then there is the simple crook-handled cane.

Any comments as to their suitability for THCD? Other sticks?

I have no idea of the suitability, MacLowlife, but the entangled vine/sapling stick reminds me of some of the branches and coppicings I am growing to be turned into sticks. I don't really have the skill to carve wood well, so some will be going to other artists to work.

One I'm thinking of is a branch wrapped around a thin pole and left to grow. The pole is removed at some point. Another is to wrap a branch around another branch, loosly, and let them grow until they naturally graft together.

**Jock Scot** · 18th April 12, 09:43 PM

Post deleted. Can't get pictures to stay whilst finding another.

**Panache** · 19th April 12, 06:52 AM

I completed my market stick but can't seem to get the photos from Facebook to show up here. I will submit for your approval when we get our computer back from the shop, I am just not I Pad smart enough to figure out how to do it with my wife's device.

Cheers

Jamie

**creagdhubh** · 19th April 12, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

I completed my market stick but can't seem to get the photos from Facebook to show up here. I will submit for your approval when we get our computer back from the shop, I am just not I Pad smart enough to figure out how to do it with my wife's device.

Cheers

Jamie

I saw a photo of it on Facebook Jamie, very well done mate!

Congrats,

**Mither Tap** · 20th April 12, 02:13 AM

I have two sticks...

One just obove hip height for short flatter jaunts and a a second at armpit height for when Im out on the hills.

Chris S

**MacSpadger** · 20th April 12, 04:11 AM

I used to make sticks as a hobby, hazel and ash mainly. Market sticks, as I understand it, look almost like a smaller shepherd's crook but with a curvier handle. The end of the handle can point in or be coaxed out. Hardwood or ram's horn is traditional for handles but buffalo horn is becoming popular. I would not consider market sticks Scottish, I went to master class with teachers from Derbyshire, England where it's widespread.

I made one once from hazel and ram's horn but it broke all I have left is the handle. Ash is a much better choice, much harder but a bugger to work with for that very reason. I keep the handle just because it took me so long to get right I'm not going to chuck it!

**SlackerDrummer** · 22nd April 12, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

I completed my market stick but can't seem to get the photos from Facebook to show up here. I will submit for your approval when we get our computer back from the shop, I am just not I Pad smart enough to figure out how to do it with my wife's device.

Your lovely wife has had 4 days to explain it to you. Where are the pictures?

**Panache** · 1st May 12, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

Your lovely wife has had 4 days to explain it to you. Where are the pictures?

It appears our laptop is finished and we need to replace it (we will be going for a Mac). If anyone in the mighty Nor Cal Rabble posts pictures of the Sacramento Highland Games from Saturday you should be able to see it in action. It also worked quite well on the trail hiking the next day in Auburn.

Cheers

Jamie