How to Customize Walking Sticks

The walking stick is an incredibly versatile tool that no outdoorsman should be without. Obviously it can be used to maintain balance and strong footing while traveling by foot, but there are many other uses for a walking stick that one might not immediately think about. Furthermore, you can customize your walking stick to give it the exact look and feel that best suits your individual needs.

Things You'll Need

• Walking stick
• Metal end cap
• Compass
• Knife and sheath
• Flashlight
• Space blanket
• Cloth sheet
• Sheet of plastic
• Tarp

Instructions

1. Choose a material that is readily available and one that feels comfortable to you. Walking sticks can be made out of a variety of different wood. Ash, maple and birch wood are some of the best natural materials available for a walking stick, though metal sticks are quite common.

2. Attach a metal end piece at the bottom of your walking stick to protect the tip from wearing away. The brass casing of a shotgun shell can be used as an effective end piece when customizing your walking stick.

3. Cut your walking stick down to a size that is manageable for you. Traditional walking sticks typically range in size from a few feet to as long as five or even six feet. When making your own walking stick from a piece of wood, you'll have the luxury of being able to make your staff the exact size you want.

4. Mount a compass to the top of your walking stick. You'll never have to worry about losing your compass, and it will also be readily available whenever you need it.

5. Attach a knife and sheath to your walking stick so you'll have quick access to a blade should the situation arise. For maximum functionality, attach a Swiss army knife to your walking stick so you'll have a variety of small tools that are readily available in a pinch. The Swiss army knife alone can cut down a lot on your pack weight and free up some space for other items.

6. Attach a flashlight to your walking stick using rubber bands or Velcro straps so you can position it as needed. Crookneck flashlights are ideal for this application.

7. Wrap different items around your walking stick for later use and easy transportation. Rope has a variety of uses, and can even improve your grip when using your walking stick. Space blankets, cloth, sheets of plastic and even tarps can also be wrapped around your walking stick. If needed, these can all be easily be unwrapped and put to immediate use.

References

• Staff/Stave Making
• Things to Add to Your Scout Hiking Staff (Stave) or Walking Stick