Thread: Walking Sticks, Hiking Staves and Gentlemans Canes

No way Mick, don't be a hoe! Besides, them ole' hickory handles are heavier than a seasoned oak one. I just like doing that type of stuff, I'm that guy you ask "where did you get that"..."I made it..."

Funny you should say that Shooter. My kids think everything we own has been made by Daddy. I'm forever making something or trying my hand at something new. If something is broke, Daddy can fix it. If something is wanted, Daddy will make it. They're starting to learn that that is just not always true. Somethings are just plain dead when broken and some things just can't be made using the limited skills and tools at hand.
You're right about the Hickory hoe handle having a bit of weight to it. I've tapered it down some, and am trying to raise the balance point closer to the top, but there is only so much effort I'm willing to put in to this thing. I'm sitting here now, covered in sawdust from sanding, but I'm having fun by having a go at this, and it keeps me out of trouble and off the streets .
I tried out one of those Blask thorn sticks brought out by Cold Steel the other week. I thought that was a little bit to hefty and a bit fat at the top for a comfortable grip. I think they are really only good as a walking club rather than a walking stick. Something in between would be good, and that is what I'm hoping for out of my efforts. Good looks with just a little heft and a comfortable grip. My cane, even though I've made it a little more comfortable, is still not much cop over a longer distance. It may just be the curve of the hook is a little too tight. Opening it up might fix that, but I'm not willing to risk screwing up my one and only walking aid by boiling the crook.


Mick

FWIW --

Colin Fletcher (the guy who walked the Grand Canyon) swore by bamboo walking sticks. They're light, and flexible enough to absorb a bit of shock. I've seen bamboo at local hardware stores; it would be a place to start.

Tape the joints (the enlarged part) to avoid splitting. I suspect woodworking sites (Lee Valley?) would have pointy ends.


Charles

What I have is a simplified version of this one from REI (mine has no anti-shock spring):

REI Hiker Shock Light Staff - Free Shipping at REI.com

Charles

I have been really eyeballing this place for a while...like years...don't know your Aussie laws...but what they don't know won't hurt them unless they are a bad guy: Welcome to the Official Web Site of Burger Sword Canes-Walking Sticks

Making a walking stick is one of those forever learning things, you learn more as you go along...I've only made a few. As long as you are having fun with it & it's functional, who cares what it is made of.
Scott

None of those sword canes would ever make it into the country. A very good thing that me and a fellow knife maker mate of mine plan on building our own one day . I couldn't afford one of those Burger Canes anyway, but I do love the looks.
I'm just in the process of putting a bit of varnish on my (non sword) homemade stick. Going to put another one or two coats on and add some finishing touches. It might be a good stick yet. Not heavy, feels nice and close to well balanced. Not quite where I was hoping it would be, but I could have always just put ina bit more time in the tapering to fix that. Maybe if I do another, I'll take that time. I've based it on a Bubba or Humble stick, but without all the fancy brasswork.


Mick

Originally Posted by shooter74743

I have been really eyeballing this place for a while...like years...don't know your Aussie laws...but what they don't know won't hurt them unless they are a bad guy: Welcome to the Official Web Site of Burger Sword Canes-Walking Sticks

Making a walking stick is one of those forever learning things, you learn more as you go along...I've only made a few. As long as you are having fun with it & it's functional, who cares what it is made of.
Scott

Shooter, not just Aussie laws, I'm sure one of those canes wouldn't be happily received in The Socialist Peoples Republic of Kalifornia! Bitchin' canes, by the way. In Cali, most letter openers, going by the law, are illegal. Texan's don't realize how good they have it till they spend some time in California. I've been lucky enough?, to work with some good ole boys from Texas, and they couldn't wait to get outa Cali! Tax laws mostly.

I like the idea of finding a stick/staff and making it yourself. Up in the woods there are some pretty cool materials to work with, Manzanita springs to mind. This thread is starting to motivate me somewhat. Kinda makes me want to go for a drive and track down a stick. I'll have to take #1 son for the work part, I'm still on crutches. That would be a nice project for me.

Later, donv

hey Mick,
i have been thinking about a stick for a while now myself. Made hiking sticks for the wife and kids, but have avoided one as i feel old enough already. Really wanted to make a sword cane but didn't want a cell mate named Ben {dover} . I have been reading several old BLADE magazines from the late 90s and those Burger sticks were #1 on my list. Now all we need is for you to manage to overturn the dumbass laws in this country and get 'em made legal for anyone responsible. Say... over 40? Then maybe we can go to the movies safely......
Adam

Here's a qiuck photo taken with the 'phone today of what I'm doing. It doesn't really give very good perspective as it had to be a little on the close up side in my work area. However! No further excuses! This is what it is starting to look like...







I intend to attach a leather ('roo hide?! But of course! ) wrist loop using the 316 SS eye I've screwed into place. Another coat or two of the walnut gloss. Plug on my (horrible) white stopper on the foot of it (I'll get a black one from somewhere) and I'm done with it. It stands an inch taller than the current 'Old Man' stick I'm using, which is good, as the OM Stick feels a little short.
I've designed it the way I have for a two reasons; 1) I wanted to break from the OM looking stick. 2) I wanted something that could be wielded as well as walked but still attempt to come across as inocuous. Although the inocuous may be hard to pass off since I stand at 6'1" and push triple digits on the scales. Most people will take one look and see the Troll that ventured in Hogwarts girls lavatory .


Mick

Here is my staff, which is also a blowdart gun.


I use this while trail hiking, it just helps to distribute weight. Never had to use the blowdart function on the trail but I have spent a lot of time making sure I am accurate.

Always liked the looks of older canes. Would be awesome to have something to pair with the top hat and pocket watch. Sword cane or not.