Wood walking stick question.

[Mike]

My father made me a wooden walking stick and then... died. Yup. He knew he was dying and he made me a walking stick in his final days.

The walking stick is precious to me, but I do want to use it and not just put it on the "Dad Memory Alter".

SO, I would like to add some kind of tip to the end. I am hoping that the tip will protect the walking stick from wearing out or breaking at tip. I also hope that it will be functional. It would be a simple thing to add a rubber cap, but I am wondering if it would prove to be too slippery.

Do you guys have some suggestions?

[actad]

Re: Wood walking stick question.

I have a hickory cane that was my dad's and several hand carved ones I have picked up over the years. I know what you mean when you say you want to use it.

I like this tip as it has a retractable ice grip.
http://www.fashionablecanes.com/3209.html

This one is good for different trail conditions, but it took me a bit to get used to the wider base.
http://www.fashionablecanes.com/1617.html

[terasec]

Re: Wood walking stick question.

i would fire harden the end,
think your dad would appreciate the traditional method over a rubber cap
before trying it on your dads walking stick, practice on other sticks until you dont burn the wood
you can also coat the bottom in pine resin,

[Happy Joe]

Re: Wood walking stick question.

When I was doing the hiking thing I used to put a piece of copper pipe or a copper pipe cap on the business end of walking sticks and sometimes a crutch tip over that (note; copper pipe caps are rounded and quite slippery on most surfaces).
To keep the copper on the end of the stick/staff after the wood dries out I used clear epoxy then drill a small pilot hole in the side and put in a copper or stainless nail. If you want to keep the copper replaceable (it does wear if no crutch tip is used) don't use epoxy.


Enjoy!

[NYCgrrl]

Re: Wood walking stick question.

I have my Papa (paternal grandfather)'s walking stick which has a wicker/rattan ending complete with peg holes. I dread the day I'll need to replace it so am following this thread avidly.

[James.]

Re: Wood walking stick question.

Can someone please explain to me why buying a walking stick makes sense? I have always just picked one up on the trail...and usually leave it at the camp site when I leave.

[Irate Mormon]

Re: Wood walking stick question.

i have a hiking staff that doubles as a tent pole...

[actad]

Re: Wood walking stick question.

Walking sticks can be things of beauty and tradition.

I have a tobacco stick that I bought to use as a walking stick - beautiful patina and smooth finish. My mother spent part of her childhood on a tobacco farm in Southern Maryland, and it reminds me of her stories.

I camped in Kentucky last May and bought some hand carved sticks at a roadside market. Wonderfully patterned and I enjoyed talking to the carver.