Convex Grind article - why & how; (& walking sticks)

[ddean]

A good read.

http://home.nycap.rr.com/sosak/convex.htm
He starts out:
"Convex Grinds
......, it is good to also carry a larger fixed blade on longer outings. Some of the best outdoor knives have convex grinds. The following information should prove useful in deciding whether a convex ground knife is right for you.
The convex grind varies greatly from the factory grinds found on most modern day knives. Most of today’s factory knives employ various primary grinds, and a v-grind edge bevel. A convex grind can either be created on the edge bevel only, or combined as the primary grind of the blade. If the entire blade is convex ground, it is usually referred to as a full convex grind. A convex grind produces a very high performance edge on a blade, while maintaining a good amount of strength. It is almost the best of both worlds."
by Bladeforums' "Buzzbait"


He also has a nice article on walking stick crafting:

http://home.nycap.rr.com/sosak/hiking/sticks.html

"......So here’s my little hiking stick FAQ. It encompasses pretty much all I know and have learned about hiking sticks through the years, and tells the story of how I made mine."

 

[Pappy]

I have access to a quite a bit of cedar. Just how big are your sticks at the top end? I see they are not all the same but the one on the right of the last picture seems quite substantial.

 

[CAVEDWELLER]

DDean,

I need a good hiking stick for my mom, who was just diagnosed with scoliosis (sp?) or curvature of the spine. She loves to walk on the excercise trails and hiking trails around Keystone, co i would like to get her a good stick to help her get around a little better. Who makes them or where can I get one? Don't even talk about "making one yerself" cuz I can't even cut a 2x4 in half.

 

[lcs37]

CaveDweller

http://www.whistlecreek.com/

http://walking.about.com/recreation/walking/msubstick.htm

This may help you. Although the Hickory sticks from whistlecreek, I find a bit heavy.

PAPPY

Will send you an email sometime today, I hope. Will send you some info, I have collected over the years. DAG

 

[Yvsa]

Originally posted by CAVEDWELLER
DDean,

I need a good hiking stick for my mom, who was just diagnosed with scoliosis (sp?) or curvature of the spine. ........co i would like to get her a good stick to help her get around a little better.
Who makes them or where can I get one?
Don't even talk about "making one yerself" cuz I can't even cut a 2x4 in half.

Cavedweller,if you're not in a real big hurry the IICOT Powwow is the 8th, 9th and 10th of next month. You should/could maybe get one there.
I was hoping to dance this year, but not sure if I'm gonna be able. It's something I've been desperately trying for though!!!!

 

[Yvsa]

Cavedweller, you have e-mail. Heading out for Monday workout at the health club, be back around noon or so.

 

[CAVEDWELLER]

Yvsa, back at cha.

 

[hoghead]

There is at least one company that produces the full convex grind on thier blades, Fallkniven. Check'em out. Whoever is doing the sharpening there knows what they are doing.

 

[ddean]

Originally posted by Pappy ....Just how big are your sticks at the top end?

Not mine.
Just sharing a link I found.

I personally use long walking sticks & never hold the top.

 

[ddean]

Originally posted by CAVEDWELLER .......I need a good hiking stick for my mom,........... Who makes them or where can I get one?

Well, of course there are walking canes at most pharmacies.
They usually have one that folds up to fit in a large purse.

Most important, before you buy; know what length your Mom needs.
Most of the online sites selling canes & sticks
will have guidelines/suggestions for length.

Looking for something nicer than pharmacy products,
our local shopping mall has a Walkings store with a small selection.
Flea markets and craft & antique malls will have large selections
of different types and wide price ranges.
Antique shops often have good prices on old things that are very common.
Import shops & gift shops sometimes.

Oh! Not to forget some stores (often smaller specialty stores)
catering to hiking, hunting, fishing, camping............

Do an online search for 'walking cane' or 'walking stick' to find some catalogs.
Look in any store having a lot of wood products,
often they include canes or sticks.

 

[CAVEDWELLER]

I've seen several around town and elsewhere, but nothing caught my eye. Most were too skinny or really crooked. I also want something that won't break should she have to use it over a dog or dirtbag's head. I'll probably get her more than one. Lookin at Newt Livesay's saynite glass model it's priced right and supposed to be really good and Yvsa gave me a heads-up on one.

 

[ichor]

Here are some basic tips on making your own.
http://www.woodcarvers.org/canes&walkingsticks.htm

And these guys have some really good wood and handle material, tho' the shipping could be a problem.
http://www.sticks.org/stickmakers.htm