About Walking Sticks

The purpose of a walking stick is to assist the user as he walks on any type of terrain. This is effectively accomplished by having a walking stick that has adequate strength to cope with the user's weight by transferring some of the weight from the spine to the walking stick.

Somewalking sticks have
sharp points, which are intended to penetrate soft soil or open terrain and provide some form of grip. Under certain terrain such as rocks, roadways, sidewalks and creek beds, however, the metal tips do not grip adequately and are not recommended for this use. Instead, the classic rubber tip is used to provide an adequate grip on rocks and even sidewalks.

Store bought walking sticks are often fancy and impractical, unless you are an English country gentleman wanting to use the cane as part of yourwardrobe. Mass-produced walking sticks and canes such as those with costly handgrips resembling birds, ducks or dogs simply don't fulfill the intended purpose of a sturdy walking stick. The use of American bass wood, a soft wood, is popular with stick makers because it iseasy to work with, and can be carved into various shapes like a bird or a duck at the big end; however it breaks easily and is low in strength and shock resistance. Consequently, it is best to select woods that have the desired strength and durability that can be worked into a fine walking stick or a cane.

Tom at the Colonial Heritage Clubhouse Craft Show in Williamsburg, Virginia

In Williamsburg, Virginia

Tom and Bev at the Colonial Heritage Clubhouse Craft Show