How to Build Walking Sticks
To build a walking stick, all you really need is a well shaped stick or branch, a razor knife, some sandpaper, some clear spray paint, and a few other odds and ends. Your walking stick can be built with or without an attached handle. This article will touch on both styles.
Instructions
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1
Planning:
First of all, you'll want to decide whether or not you wish to build a walking stick with an attached handle; perhaps you have an antique hame or other unique object you'd like to adapt to a walking stick as a handle.Or, perhaps you'd prefer to look for a stick or tree branch that has just the right crook or knob to become a great handle for your walking stick.
Note: For best results, look for hardwood trees for your walking stick starter branch. Maple, oak, aspen, birch, even willow all make great walking sticks. Pine or most firs are too soft, plus these can be quite sticky to work with, especially if you plan to remove the bark. Cedar is a very attractive wood, and harder than some other firs.
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2
Build a walking stick WITH a handle:
To keep it simple, let's assume your handle is an old horse 'n' buggy hame. That's those brass things with round ball knobs that were used on some of the wooden horse-gear used with horses and buggies.To ensure your hame will fit onto your walking stick, you will need to find a branch of the proper diameter, unless you plan to grind a portion of it to fit the hame.
Select your tree branch, and cut it neatly from the tree (thanking the tree for its generosity).
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3
To strip the bark or not?
Some people prefer to build a walking stick with the bark left on the branch, others prefer to strip the bark away, revealing the smooth inner beauty of the wood.If you decide to leave the bark intact, proceed to Step 5, for building a walking stick WITH an attached handle; or to Step 6, for building a walking stick WITHOUT an attached handle.
If you decide to strip the bark, proceed to Step 4.
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4
Stripping the bark:
Stripping the bark from a green branch is usually very easy to do, at least for most kinds of wood/tree. Using a razor knife, carefully make a long slit from one end of the branch to the other; taking care of your fingers and other body parts!See if you can lift the edge of the bark; if so, you should be able to remove most of it by simply making one or two more long slits, and peeling the strips of bark away.
For final touches to remove bark that doesn't want to peel away, use your razor knife to gently scrape or peel that; always cut away from your body!
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5
Fitting the handle to the stick:
If your stick or branch is not already of the right diameter to fit into your hame a sufficient distance to ensure it will be secure, grind or sand the end of the stick so it fits, then apply some wood glue around the end, and insert it into the hame opening. Hold the stick upright in one hand, with the handle up; and tap the stick on a hard surface several times so the hame seats onto the stick. Wipe away excess glue. If the hame has a hole for a screw, a short brass wood screw will finish it off. The glue should hold the handle in place; the screw is mostly for aesthetics. -
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Build a walking stick WITHOUT an attached handle:
Let's say you just want to build a walking stick with a built-in handle or knob. Sometimes that is part of the thrill of the hunt, as you walk around your yard or in the woods looking for just that perfect branch with a perfect handle/knob.Look for a branch that connects to the larger branch with a hook-shaped attachment. Or, sometimes even small sapling roots are interestingly shaped and can serve to become a built-in handle; though saplings are best left to grow up before turning them into walking sticks I think.
Select your tree branch, and cut it neatly from the tree (thanking the tree for its generosity).
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7
Finishing:
Whether you've built a walking stick with or without an attached handle; and, whether you've decided to leave the bark on, or strip it off; you might wish to apply some type of finish to your walking stick, to help preserve and protect it from wear and tear.Finishing your walking stick is certainly an option you'll have to decide on; will you simply spray a clear enamel over it all? Or, will you apply some stain, then clear?
Whatever you decide, finish up your walking stick; let it dry; and take it out for a nice long test-walk!
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Tips & Warnings
Some stains and paints might contain substances that are toxic or hazardous. Read and follow all label directions and safety instructions.
Follow manufacturers' instructions and guidelines for safe handling, use, installation, operation, and maintenance of all equipment, tools, and products.
Use caution with sharp tools; always wear appropriate safety gear.
Resources
- Photo Credit w1z111-C.R.H.
