trek pole/walking stick

[norfolkjohn]

Hi all looking to make a trek pole/walking stick.
Have looked at the types of commercial poles on the market,
and me no like !
So am looking to make my own, so the question is what type
of wood and length to make it,possibly around the 3.5 to 4.00 length.
Any tips or advice would be appreciated.

 

[Ogri the trog]

Hazel is my preference,
but you can use just about any wood - even straightening something that looks good but has a bend!
Let it dry out properly as this can lighten the weight considerably,, I like to remove the bark to help this but its up to you.
I prefer more of a staff style stick up to nose height or there-abouts, but its a very personal thing.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[Melonfish]

I'm also a fan of hazel, good and light when dried properly, i go with a staff myself and cut it to just under my chin. i'm actually out to get more tomorrow and hang them in the shed for the rest of the year

 

[RJames]

I like hazel or holly for the majority of my sticks, but occasionally I find alder to be a nice wood to work with

 

[Squidders]

Blackthorn makes really nice sticks.

 

[mimir]

this could be a good addition a walking stick, slowly carve it during stops when you trek.
[video=youtube;CmDNKTwIbu4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmDNKTwIbu4&feature=related[/video]