Walking Sticks

**PiobBear** · 26th June 08, 04:46 PM

My tracking stick and my blackthorn sail éille.

I used the tracking stick when I was into wilderness SAR back when I lived in the mountains; besides being a good hiking staff, by using a rubber band or O-ring on the shaft you can measure the stride of tracks.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 28th July 08, 02:50 PM

I have just followed all the threads here, and one thing seemed to be missing, the correct proportional length of the stick to the person carrying it. I use a cane for general walking, have bad knees and arthritis in my lower back. The cane is as much for balance as anything until I hit steps. I am rather taller than average, abt 6'4" (used to be taller, but. . .) and find that most commercial canes are only abt 36" in length, which is too short so when I buy one I put an extension made of 3/4" copper pipe on the end. I need something about 37"-39" for general use. I use an Eddie Bauer collapsable, works fine for a walking staff, but doesn't do a thing for the image.

Can any one help?

**JRB** · 28th July 08, 03:09 PM

From what I have read, a properly sized walking stick should reach the break between your hand and your fore-arm (i.e. the wrist) when standing with your hands to your side. For the average size man that generally equals about 36". That's probably why you are having such a hard time finding a good length walking stick for you.

**Bugbear** · 28th July 08, 03:14 PM

I've had to remove the picture, but it was of the mobility cane or

"Seeing Eye" stick I use. I also use my garden tools like rakes and shovels around the garden and orchard.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 28th July 08, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by JRB

From what I have read, a properly sized walking stick should reach the break between your hand and your fore-arm (i.e. the wrist) when standing with your hands to your side. For the average size man that generally equals about 36". That's probably why you are having such a hard time finding a good length walking stick for you.

Thanks, that is what I extend my canes to. What I should have said is a walking staff

**Nick** · 29th July 08, 02:39 AM

Here's my favorite hiking stick. It's beech, I picked up a stick and whittled the bark off at Scout camp years ago, it's been though a lot and over a lot of miles, it's saved my life a couple times, and I've still got it.

It started to split at the top and bottom, so I forged wrought iron bands to fit, drilled holes perpendicular to the split, and riveted them on. Hopefully the bottom band will also stop wear at the tip. The beech is so heavy that a couple iron bands hardly makes a difference. I engraved "fortitudo" into the top band.

This shows the top. I never put a finish on it, but it's rubbed smooth and dark where I hold it just from use.

I've also got a heavy ironwood hiking stick and a carved walking stick, but they don't get as much use.

**Glamrockdj** · 29th July 08, 06:08 AM

Some of those are great, 'specially Old Man Ire, very Lord of the Rings!!

**Zardoz** · 30th July 08, 08:26 PM

I got this one from a friend, It's from Brazos Walking Sticks here in Texas, http://www.brazos-walking-sticks.com/index.html

**Riverkilt** · 30th July 08, 09:31 PM

Thanks for that link Zardoz.

Suppose I should put a pic of my new crook/staff/shepherd thingie I got at the Flagstaff Celtic Games. Had a made in Germany sticker on it. Said its chestnut, but its very very light and I've always known chestnut to be a heavy wood. Maybe a chestnut sucker or something...

Just pleased to find one on a cash and carry basis since their shape makes them expensive to ship.

Ron

**kilted_ninja** · 31st July 08, 12:12 PM

There's a martial arts fella over in Reno that specializes in cane fighting. he has some extremely strong canes and does custom work for length and carving, etc... I have a few of his because of a knee surgery. That combined with my 300 lb weight means strength is a must. Here's his page.

http://www.canemasters.com/