Buddleia walking staff

[awarner]

I've had a bit of buddleia kicking around my garden for a few years now and during a clear out saved it from the skip as I wondered what it would be like to work with.
So keeping it very basic I stripped the outer bark and noticed how the inner bark bonded to the inner wood and liking the exposed pattern decided to create the following staff.
The bottom had an internal split which does not extend to the bottom so I have used a common whip to mask and also strengthen the area.
Bit of linseed and beeswax and quite happy with the result.

The closeup image does not do the grain any justice.

 

[richardhomer]

Looks good mate.

 

[Braidsta]

Nice work mate, it's gorgeous!

 

[Dreadhead]

nice work

 

[mrcharly]

How rigid is it? When I've looked at buddleia stems they looked to have a pithy core.

 

[awarner]

It's solid right through and very sturdy without any flex, it has no pith at all as it's from an old stem.
Has a good weight to it almost verging on being too heavy.

 

[dwardo]

Cant remember who gifted me some but i found it incredibly strong and pretty light for the given mass.
I bet Manchester council would give you a pat on the back for cutting it down. They have a nightmare with the stuff.

 

[Biker]

Very pretty grain pattern, almost looks like a miniature version of douglas fir. Nice and elegant solution for fixing the split.

 

[awarner]

Thanks, I'll be using the whipping as a demonstration for my scouts to show how it can be used for other things rather than just for finishing the end or cordage.
Interesting bit is the cloven hoof style of the base, I left it alone to see what it's like during use and it gives a really good grip though the woodland I walk through.