How big is your Pole, and can you send me a pic?

[Dirty Karlos]

Good thread, some real nice work there!

I have just this week got myself a lovely straightish, piece of rowan though to be honest I'm not sure what to do with it now. I'd like to carve something on it eventually as I am quite artistic but how should I go about the preparation of the stick, sorry staff ;-)

What would be the best tool for removing bark etc?

Thanks.

 

[Mikey P]

Oh by the way Bimble , very misleading title , I was wondering where this was going!

I know - I almost just posted a photo that would have got me an instant ban.

 

[Gaoler]

I tend to use three of my many sticks above all others.

My Blackthorn thumbstick is my absolute favorite (at the moment)
I have a Hazel stave which I stripped, charred then oiled for use on or around water then my first foray into stickmaking whick is a birch knobstick.

I have found through trial and error that I am most comfortable with a stick that fits snugly into my armpit. They can be substantial yet not to intimidating for other hikers of a timid disposition. Longer sticks do tend to get you those disaproving scowls in the more traveled areas of the UK.

Another use is as steering sticks for fearless/clumsy young children who have no sense of danger ie. steep drops, unseen holes or impending dog egg collision.

Does anyone actually own and hike with one of those Chestnut crooks seen in so many garden centres?