QA

Question: Where To Buy Handmade Walking Sticks

How much does a handmade walking stick cost?

I’ve found tons of walking sticks on eBay at prices ranging from about $20 for simple ones to thousands for those with intricate designs.

Which type of walking stick is best?

Traditional, non-folding walking sticks are best suited for those that need to use a walking stick most, if not all, of the time. Non-folding walking sticks are available in a range of materials and handle styles, with height-adjustable or fixed height options.

What trees are good for making walking sticks?

Excellent woods for walking sticks include hazel, birch, cherry, blackthorn, ash, oak, elder, and holly. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa, or “sloe”) is perhaps ideal. These woods also make excellent walking stick handles, either in the shape of root knobs or knots, or when turned into shape on a lathe.

How much does a walking stick cost?

Walking Stick Pricing $25-$35: This is the most common price range for walking sticks. Products at this price point can be used for casual hiking as well as on rough terrains. $35 and up: Walking sticks in this price range are priced at a premium.

How tall should a walking stick be?

A. Here’s a good rule on sizing: Standing with your arms at your side, the stick should be about 8 inches taller than your elbow. Pick a longer stick if you’ll be tackling steep terrain. If you’re just planning on walking with your stick, pick a shorter one that comes to your waist.

What should I look for when buying a walking stick?

When purchasing a stick, you need to ensure it is correctly measured to your loved-one. They need to be able to stand as upright as possible, with their elbow slightly bent. The stick will take their weight so it’s important it’s measured correctly, or it could cause shoulder or elbow joint pain.

Are walking sticks good for seniors?

Walking sticks and trekking poles provide additional stabilization for aging activity seekers. Quality walking sticks work well to provide balance, absorb shock to joints, and assist movement over various terrains.

How do I choose a good walking stick?

Look for a reasonably straight stick that is at least 1″ (2.5cm) in diameter. It should be slightly larger around than is comfortable to hold, so you can carve off some of the wood and still have a stick substantial enough to support you while you’re walking.

What’s the strongest wood for a walking stick?

If you can find them, cherrybark oak and pignut hickory are among the strongest North American hardwoods. However, most common types of oak and hickory will also make strong walking sticks. Birch, ironwood, black cherry, ash and maple are also very stiff, strong woods.

How do you harden a walking stick?

Place the stick with bark removed in an area of the house or shop that is about 55 to 70 degrees for maybe 4 to 7 days. Don’t rush drying like placing wood in hot sun. Slower drying will reduce cracking.

Does hazel make good walking sticks?

Hazel Wood Noted for the variety of shimmering colours in its bark, ranging from dark brown to silver, hazel makes beautiful walking sticks of great character and complements horn and antler handles very well.

Do walking sticks actually help?

Walking poles help you maintain proper posture, especially in the upper back, and may help to strengthen upper back muscles. Walking poles take some of the load off your lower back, hips and knees, which may be helpful if you have arthritis or back problems.

Do walking sticks help with balance?

Walking sticks help people maintain their balance, walk with more confidence and help relieve tension on joints and bones. It redistributes the weight that helps putting lesser tension on your joints and muscles and helps them stay rejuvenated.

How do you preserve a wooden walking stick?

Apply two coats of wood stain, allowing each coat to dry overnight, to give the stick a darker, richer hue. Then apply three coats of clear urethane varnish to seal the wood and prevent rot. Allow each coat of varnish to dry overnight. Sand the stick lightly with very fine sandpaper or steel wool after each coat.

Does Pine make a good walking stick?

Pine is still an excellent choice for practicing on and for a lightweight staff. Pine will almost always be “sappy”, which will leach out past the finish and need to be covered with tape or leather over the handle area. It can be used for a walking stick but is not a “good” walking stick and has better uses.

Does bamboo make a good walking stick?

Bamboo is light-weight, easy to cut, and is available is extra-long lengths, making it perfect for walking sticks. Because bamboo is hollow between the branch nodes, special attention is needed when attaching a wood carved cane topper. Be careful when working with bamboo that you have harvested.

Which side should a walking stick be used?

The stick should go on the strong side and move with the weak side. Using the walking stick on the opposite side to your injury allows you to shift your weight more to the stronger side.

What’s the point of a walking stick?

A walking stick or walking cane is a device used primarily to aid walking, provide postural stability or support, or assist in maintaining a good posture. Some designs also serve as a fashion accessory, or are used for self-defense. Walking sticks come in many shapes and sizes and some have become collector’s items.

Should I use one or two walking sticks?

Hikers often ask how two trekking poles are better than one “regular” walking stick. The simplest answer to this question is that poles give symmetrical support that one stick does not.

Which is better walking stick or cane?

Whilst a cane is recommended as a long-term mobility aid, a walking stick fulfills the purpose of a walking accessory or occasional support. Canes are longer-lasting, more comfortable, and safer than walking sticks for use on a long-term basis.