Whether you’re a survivalist, a Boy Scout or just want a handy tool to carry in the backcountry, making a walking stick can be a useful craft for anyone.
To make one, start with a solid, sturdy wood dowel or branch. Find a piece that is at least a foot in length and has a nice, straight shape.
Choosing the Right Material
Choosing the right material is one of the most important things you can do to make a good walking stick. It will determine the strength, weight and design of the stick.
A wood like maple or chestnut is a good choice. These are strong, lightweight and resistant.
You can also choose a piece of bamboo, which is often used as a base for the stick, and is easy to source sustainably.
The wood you use should be durable enough to withstand repeated whittling and carving. Fresh wood is better for this purpose, but dried wood gives you a more rigid stick that will hold up well.
Whittling the Bark
If you’re making a walking stick with a hidden knife, it’s important to start by whittling the bark. This will reveal the bright wood underneath and create an interesting design for your stick.
A good way to do this is by holding one end of the stick in your hand, with the other angled down on the ground. This gives you a chance to work slowly, with long, even strokes down the bark, removing it without causing damage to the wood.
Once you’ve carved the bark away, you’ll need to sand it down with light sandpaper. This will help smooth the surface and remove any bumps and randomness that may have remained when you were removing the bark.
Carving the Handle
During the Middle Ages, walking sticks became an important part of a person’s social status. The handles could be made from carved bone or antler, engraved wood, crystal, or ornamental metals.
The shaft was typically a thicker piece of wood, and sometimes used as a weapon. The handles were often decorated and shaped like animals, such as rabbits, fish, or horses.
Carving the handle is one of the most fun parts of making a walking stick, and it can be tricky. However, the results can be well worth it!
First, whittle away the bark that’s on the outside and in the center of the stick. This is especially easy on fresh, moist bark.
Finishing the Handle
Finishing the handle is a great way to enhance the design of your walking stick. You can use a variety of materials to give it that finishing touch, including tennis grip tape, a thin cord or rope, and a strip of leather.
The best part about this step is that you can really customize it to fit your personality. You can even add a few decorative elements to it like a carved wood head of a lion, fish or horse.
The whittling of your wooden handle can be a fun and exciting experience, especially for the seasoned woodworker. It is also important to remember that the best woods are usually found in the wild, so be sure to respect the environment by only sourcing quality materials from fallen trees. This will ensure that you have the most sturdy and durable walking stick for years to come. It also helps to have patience and perseverance! Lastly, whittling a walking stick can be a dangerous task, so be sure to wear protective clothing.