First walking stick

[bushcraftbob]

I have just completed my first walking stick. The wood i used is Hazel. I cut it in November 2008 and have been seasoning it in my shed.

The end finish was a bit of an accident really. I had some soot on my hands from my billy can, which i accidentally got on the blank. I then decided to rub a load of soot in to the stick using my fingers. I then rubbed it down gently with some wire wool, and then with a clean cloth. I then applied a final coat of linseed oil. I am unsure about the end finish but it is growing on me, it looks quite distinctive. Sorry about the pic quality.

cheers for looking

 

[Sherwood]

That forked hazel is a nice find ,i'm sure the finish will grow on you.

With linseed oil I was told that to get a great finish and keep it protected, that it needs treating "once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year,then once a year for life" or something similar...just dont put too much on as it goes sticky!
Its certainly made a difference putting extra coats on my sticks, it really brings out the grain.
Heres one of my carved (and then painted) birds head sticks on hazel

and another...

Youve started on a slippery slope now, thats how I started with a simple thumbstick.

 

[bushcraftbob]

wow they are stunning!

 

[pinerevolver]

Very Nice. I like the two prongs at the top

 

[hiho]

nice, i like the finish on it...

like the duck one sherwood.

 

[bikebum1975]

Cool pieces I like the idea you had to rub it down with ash really made the grain pop out.

 

[Ghostofthewoods]

Linseed is good, varnish is bad.
Al.