Hiking Staff

[DaveBromley]

Hey guys I'm looking for some advice, I want to make my own hiking staff. I used to get one of these everytime I went walking with my dad can anyone suggest which woods are best to use and how to identify them, any top tips and suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[ScotchDave]

Woods like ash, hazel and oak make good staffs. Make sure to put a ring of some kind on the bottom to prevent splitting.

I recently made some, which I thought were rather nice, by sanding them down to a 600 grit finish and applying danish oil, make sure you sand the top too as it's great to see the growth rings.

Dave

 

[malcolmc]

Mine’s ash and has been going strong for over 45 years. As to a tip, if you fit a loop of cord to the top you can hang it up on a clothes peg when you visit a pub etc.; no one will trip over a hanging stave which can happen if they are just propped up against a wall.

 

[Muddypaws]

If you find a suitable piece of green wood, be sure not to trim any of the side shoots flush whilst the stick is drying out, leave a stub - hopefully this will prevent cracks forming at the centre of the knots. Green wood will need to dry out for several months before you peel it, this helps prevent radial cracks forming. Or you could leave the bark on, and varnish it.
Hope this helps

 

[Minotaur]

Ash is the easy one to find. Once you know what they look like they are everywere.

Anything wrong with Rowan?

Wondered because if you looking for ash, you are going to find them as well.