Everyday cromach

[Jock Scot]

I was given my cromach for my 21st birthday and have used it almost every day since, so for some 50 odd years. If you have seen any picture of me here, the cromach is usually propping me up! It has been shortened, re-ferruled umpteen times, recently re-shafted, but is a constant and very useful(even without sheep)friend.

[David Thorpe]

Because of a permanent injury, for me some sort of stick or cane is not an accessory but rather an essential mobility tool. I have seen some beautiful cromachs and market sticks, and contemplated making one of my own, but have not yet done so.
My "everyday" cane is blue anodized aluminum -- definitely not "traditional" but ultimately utilitarian. I also have a plain-top "twisty" stick (no handle) -- a gift from my wife which belonged to her (Clan MacNaughten) grandfather. It is only slightly less comfortable and useful as a tool than is my metal cane, but oh so much more appropriate to THCD, at least to my self-awareness when dressed so. It may get a buffalo horn nose-in market handle at some point, but for now that project is way down my to-do list.

[Jock Scot]

Here's a thought for you DrummerBoy.

A "twisty" stick with a walnut, from a broken gunstock, knob on the top.

[creagdhubh]

Here's a thought for you DrummerBoy.

A "twisty" stick with a walnut, from a broken gunstock, knob on the top.

Very nice, Jock!

[David Thorpe]

Very nice, Jock. I've been eyeing a chunk of walnut in my shop for some time now. It has a nice figure and a grain twist which shows potential for a (gasp) Cardigan handle. (My mother's father was Welsh). I have not yet located a suitable shank for it.

[Panache]

I wish I could post some photos of my new market stick (I am having computer issues right now) because I think it just might be the kind of thing you are looking for.

Here is what I did

First I took a small small piece of hardwood I had on hand and made a handle/crook. It took about and hour and half to shape it, sand it down, and stain it.


Next I needed a shaft. Normally you have to go to the effort of finding a branch, drying the branch, sanding/staining/varnishing the branch, and finally fitting it with a metal ferrule and/or a rubber tip. (A rather lengthy process.) So instead I just went down to the sporting goods store and bought a ready made hiking stick like the ones from Brazos that was the right diameter. It was sanded, varnished, and came with both a rubber tip and metal spike. It cost $14.99.

The last step was to cut the staff to the right height and joined it my crook with a piece of brass pipe fitting and two part epoxy. this took about twenty minutes to get it right.

So for about 2 1/2 hours of work (including the trip to the sporting goods store) and about $20 I have a nice little crook that looked totally appropriate and was highly functional at last weekend's Sacramento highland Games on Saturday and on the trail in Auburn hiking on Sunday. So you can have one stick that will work both as fashion accessory for highland events and as a practical accessory on the trail.

If any of the Nor Cal Rabble post photos from the games you can see what it looks like.

Cheers

Jamie

[Mikilt]

Jamie,
Thanks for that description. It sounds like a fun project that would produce a fine walking stick. I don't have any hardwood on hand, nor do I know anything about bending wood (apart from tutorials found on youtube). But with some dedication and a few simple tools, I believe that I could make a fine crook as well.

[Panache]

Jamie,
Thanks for that description. It sounds like a fun project that would produce a fine walking stick. I don't have any hardwood on hand, nor do I know anything about bending wood (apart from tutorials found on youtube). But with some dedication and a few simple tools, I believe that I could make a fine crook as well.

I didn't bother to bend the wood, I just cut the crook shape out of a rectangular piece of wood and use a belt sander, a Dremel tool, and sandpaper to get it right.

Cheers

Jamie

[Harold Cannon]

I actually went to tractor supply at lunch and bought one of theirs. It is quite nice and will be a good everyday stick.

[Grizzly]

I know its not a kilted picture but here is my latest acquisition taken last saturday at Hardknott Roman Fort in the Lake District, Cumbria, England. Its a spanish chestnut shaft and kiln dried ash crook. Bought off ebay from Jeff Chapman. Top quality stick for very little money cost me all of £23