Walking Stick

[The Supreme Canuck]

I'm not really sure if this should go in this forum or not, since I'm asking for guidance rather than posting a completed thing; mods, move this wherever you want it to go.

I would like to make myself a walking stick when I get back home to Ottawa after the semester is over. I've wanted to do some woodworking for some time now, but I'm not sure where to begin - I've decided that making a nice walking stick would be easy enough, and frankly, I want one. Unfortunately, I don't know what I'm doing.

Ideally, I would like the stick to be rather knobbly and knotted, preferably with a good number of smaller branches or roots entwined at the top as a handle. I'll have to go for a walk through the woods to find something suitable, obviously. That's where my trouble starts - what sort of wood am I looking for? Hardwood? Softwood? Any specific woods to avoid?

Then there's drying. How and how long? Remove the bark before or after?

I can probably take it from there.

[Galician]

There was recently a thread on "cromacks." Not exactly the same look, but has some useful links you might want to consider.

[The Supreme Canuck]

Erm, any chance you could point me in the right direction? The search function isn't turning anything up for me.

Edit: Never mind, found it! Thanks!

[Galician]

Welcome. Hope it provides what you're looking for. I'd love one myself, but no time or talent for that here.

[The Supreme Canuck]

I think I'll try to pick up a copy of the book from Lee Valley when I get home - it's about a 30 minute drive from my house. Plus, that's just a fun store to be in.

Heck, depending on how hard it is for me to do, if I do one, I could probably do a second for you. The things are basically free - found wood. Once I get the info I need, it's basically just a matter of doing it. Grab a stick, sand it, finish it, maybe throw a metal cap on the bottom, done! Really, the only big concern is drying: it could take a long time to do.

[RakesOfMallow]

Sounds to me that you'd like a blackthorn walking stick, AKA Sloe Plum, scientific name prunus spinosa. If you could find a nice straight section of blackthorn that is the right thickness and long enough for a walking stick, cut it to length, and spend a great deal of time rounding off all of the thorns. I believe a year is necessary to cure the stick and there are 2 traditional ways I've heard of, but I have no idea if they are true: smear generously with butter (or other fat) and hang in the flu of a wood burning fireplace (sounds dangerous!) the other isn't very appetizing, bury the stick in a manure pile for a year. Like I said, I have no idea if these are true, but it sounds rather humorous. If you couldn't find blackthorn, hawthorn could be a good substitute. I would imagine that allowing it to naturally cure in a dry place, using some stain if necessary, and then applying coats of varnish would yield nice results. Try digging around a bit more for some information. Best of luck!

Cheers!

Tom

[The Supreme Canuck]

Blackthorn seems like a good wood, but a little hard to find around here, I think.

[Panache]

I have made several walking sticks and think they are a perfect accessory to a kilted daywear outfit. Kilted or not, I seldom go for a walk without one.

Good luck on your project

Cheers

Jamie

[Jock Scot]

I don't know what trees you have over there.We use blackthorn,for the walking type stick mainly because it is rare,not impossible, to find a long piece straight enough.Hazel or ash are easier to find in longer lengths and holly, again for shorter sticks.

It is best to cut them in the winter when the sap is down,leave the bark on at all costs and place the stick in a DRY COOL place for about 2 years.Then you are ready to start.

[The Supreme Canuck]

It is best to cut them in the winter when the sap is down,leave the bark on at all costs and place the stick in a DRY COOL place for about 2 years.Then you are ready to start.

Aha! That's the sort of thing I need to know, thanks. Too bad it takes so long, though...