Walking Sticks

Barrabas

Barrabas

Joined
Feb 8, 2005
Messages
1,135
I would think every person who loves the outdoors, has a walking stick or 2 lying around the Casa.

Curious to know what you have/use and if you would share some pics.

For where I live (WV) we have a few Hills/Mtns, and when you hit the woods, and you plan on getting off the beaten path, A walking stick is a must, unless you want to spend more time on your tail, than on your feet :D

I became fascinated with them a few years ago, and could not find any that I liked enough to buy, so started finding Ash/Oak/Hickory saplings and making them the way I wanted, trading them, and giving them to friends - in fact had almost as much fun making them, as I have had using them.


I'm on dial up currently, and can't post pics, but if someone will shoot me their email address I'll send some pics over later, if they would be so kind as to post them.

Have a good one,

sp
 
I use tin sticks (aluminum trekking poles but the idea is the same-- no turned ankles, easier rock-hopping on stream crossings, much more stable descents and easier on the knees all the way around. They are handy for wet or spikey brush and unfriendly dogs. I use one to hold up my shelter too.

When it comes to real sticks, the self defense aspects come to mind-- all those Errol Flynn Robin Hood moves I guess. Let's go smack Little John in the shins!
 
I plan on getting a good stout one, probably a maple or ash sapling, to go with my bushman bowie.
 
I have a walking stick I made from a choke cherry limb... I found it at one of my favorite campground. Someone had chopped down 6 or 8 branches from a large bush. On a whim I picked the straightest one and turned it into a walking stick. I stripped the bark off, sanded it, wrapped a cord grip on it and put about 5 coats of polyurethane on it.

Part of the appeal to me is the fact that I “made” it. It has spent many miles on the trails. I usually don’t take it hiking but it defiantly goes with me backpacking. It’s good for taking the weight off the back during breaks.
 
I definately do have some walking sticks lying around the house try and get spme pics up later:thumbup:
 
Here is one I make for my woodsloafing. It is red oak and popular laminated. I have also enjoyed making them.
chris060.jpg
 
I make all off my own canes and walkin' sticks from native materials in my yard and barn, mostly beech tree saplings, I'll have to post some pics later, gotta go for now.:grumpy:
 
For years I had a staff I made from a branch I found laying about of some unknown but hard wood. Then, one day, I lost it. A couple years later I was at REI and saw these new fangled collapsible staffs that could act as a monopod for your camera, had a strap, and weighed only ounces. I bought one on a whim and became sold on the versatility of these. I know many people use two but I prefer one so that the other hand is free. I think a staff of some sort will save you from a variety of possible pitfalls (or pratfalls?) and can be used in a number of ways. As old school as a wood staff may be, I think these new aluminum ones are more useful (and lighter).
 
I've got one made of hickory. My grandad used to take me out to cut a hickory stick every once in a while. He used it to kill snakes. He was bitten by a copperhead as a kid and hated snakes.
 
I live in WV too. I use the aluminum trekking poles. At home I usually just use one in the woods. Backpacking I take two because it's really rocky.

I have found that they really help with stamina for me esp going uphill, plus my tent pitches with them.

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My wife using them to keep from swimming downstream:thumbup:
Hike29.jpg
 
Here's my Cabela's Guide stick. It's height adjustable with a little compass (used to verify real compass) and a waterproof compartment in the handle.

Also comes with a carbide end, removable snow basket, rubber end, a shooting yoke, shoulder sling and you can mount a spotting scope or camera - very versatile. Seems to be pretty rugged cause I've been using it for three years without any failures.

SANY0046.jpg
 
Barrabas,

Yep I got a million. I make my own and buy them. It is like a danged disease, I have knives, walking sticks, flashlights, pouches and bags, I could open a shop... I'll post pics later.
 
Thats what I have been doing since I retired from work. I have thirty or so done and about 75 sticks up in the garage rafters waiting to be finished. I go around to the lakes and shelter belts as well as out in the woods looking for good sticks. I use whatever I find. I never go out off roading without one.
 
Yup. Wading staff. Hand planed tapered Phillipine mahogany, wrapped handle, aluminum tip, oil finish. I'm still using the one I made 20 years ago, but have made a number for friends. At first they scoffed, now they use them regularly, especially those who wade to flyfish. They allow you to wade fast water about twice as fast as going without.

They are also good to poke ahead for snakes although about ten feet too short:D. I was carrying mine in the Superstition Mountains a few years ago, many miles from any water. A passerby asked "How's the trout fishing?":)ss.
 
I always had some sort of staff as a kid. I had a whole collection. Now I mainly use trekking poles. They are essential for mountain environments and stream crossings. I find them almost as necessary as a knife.

I always liked the Tracks Sherlite staff, just a one piece aluminum staff with foam grip and walnut knob.

If you got $260 you can get a Crawford "Survival Staff".
http://www.crawfordknives.com/SURVIVAL STAFF PAGE 1.htm
 
How good are those trekking poles for canine attitude readjustments? I've always worried that they'd tend to bend if used the wrong way.
 
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