Walking Staff

[Scally]

i love blackthorn a bit heavier than most but for durabiltiy solid as a rock in fact ive just put a rams horn on the top of my old blackthorn and re oiled it come up like new..

 

[Chris B]

For walking in the woods though you can't beat a hand cut hazel staff.. bliss

Matt

So, how long should it be? And how long does it take to dry out?

 

[Snufkin]

I've an apple one at the moment but it's a little on the heavy side. I've a hazel staff drying at the moment and am on the lookout for a suitable blackthorn.

 

[Toddy]

I've got an applewood one too, and I do like it It makes a fairly effective digging stick too

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Lemoneyewash]

I make sticks, Ash, Hazel and Blackthorn for me.

Take a look at this chaps site. I like the 'cut of his jib'

Bob's Sticks

 

[sharp88]

My old man makes em out of hazel or cherry and puts a sort of brass or copper ring of some sort on the bottom with a hammer. I have a suspicion it may be some sort of plumbing component? There not staffs as such but nearish to it - he usually gets one with a big growth knot on the end so he can round it off into an egg shape - hence the name he gives them - his 'egg sticks'.

Other than that you'l sometimes find what i beleive to be called a 'sugar barley' stick, where a vine has wrapped around the stick - that gives a nice rustic appeal.

 

[laurens ch]

I like hazel, mainly because its easy to find a straight piece. Ive also used box although its a bit heavy. I vaguely remember my father straightening some hawthorn sticks in the bath using weights I’ll have to ask him about it.

 

[Carcajou Garou]

I use a cane rubber tip on the bottom of my oak staff, helps a lot in water crossing, or on rocky passes. A small liquid filled compass inset in the handle top give me an ever present direction.

 

[malcolmc]

... I am looking to make a walking staff but was wondering what is the best wood and some prep advise would be handy ...

Sticks are very personal things; you need one you’re going to be comfortable with. I’m still using the stave I had in the scouts; 1.7m (5ft 6ins) of ash. In my day as a scout you weren’t allowed to modify a stave. Since I left I’ve added a rubber foot, a cup hook at the top end and the obligatory loop of rope to hang it up or make sure you don’t lose it over rough terrain. I used rope strong enough to fish someone out of water if necessary.

Best of luck finding what is right for you.

 

[leon-b]

i have a small one with a big growth knot (i think thats what there called) on the end rounded off, i bought for a fiver at a show i went two
leon

 

[Toddy]

For those who like to Mod their sticks

http://www.craft-supplies.co.uk/cgi-bin/psProdSrch.cgi

Usual disclaimer. No connection, just a company I've used in the past and can recommend.

Cheers,
Toddy