CS Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick

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JTR357

JTR357

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Hi Everyone:)
I've been looking for a new walking stick/cane for my Dad for Fathers Day.My dad just got a hip replacement.He's got a bad back,bad knees,you name it...from a lifetime of hard labor & three serious motorcycle accidents.No,he doesn't ride anymore,but he really misses it.
I really like the looks of this one.A few yrs back I got him a cheesy/cheap sword cane,before I knew anything about quality & used to buy from BudK & such:o.Well,the swordcane just eventually fell apart from use,heat,humidity...etc.I don't want to get him another sword cane,because of legal issues living in NJ.I'm looking to get him a tough cane that could be used for SD if need be.When he was younger he used to be the tough biker type that nobody would mess with.Now that he's older & handicapped,I'm afraid he looks more like a target for thugs:(.
My problem is that everywhere I look this product won't be in stock until 6/30...well after Fathers Day.The African Walking Stick is available,but I like this one a lot more.I like the woodlike finish on the knob,looks a little classier than the AWS.
So,whatta you guys think of this one?Does anyone know where I can get one before Fathers Day?Thanks in advance for all your helpfull feedback:thumbup::)
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I suggest you try to find a real Blackthorn. Ebay has a bunch of them but
I think I would prefer one of these . The Cambridge should be especially comfortable to use.
 
kamkazmoto said:
I suggest you try to find a real Blackthorn. Ebay has a bunch of them but
I think I would prefer one of these . The Cambridge should be especially comfortable to use.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip kamkazmoto:thumbup:I never even heard of these(Blackthorns),until I seen'em on CS's site.I like the "Manhattan" models.

I should've mentioned,I'm looking for something in the $50-$60 range.
 
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Hard to beat the Mendowoods. I've got a Manhattan myself. Check out this page where he's got a couple of seconds for much less.

Also consider a Cold Steel City Stick (bottom of the page). Practically as strong as the Mendowoods, but a bit more elegant. I liked mine, but it was too elegant for me. :)
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Hard to beat the Mendowoods. I've got a Manhattan myself. Check out this page where he's got a couple of seconds for much less.

Also consider a Cold Steel City Stick (bottom of the page). Practically as strong as the Mendowoods, but a bit more elegant. I liked mine, but it was too elegant for me. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Esav,I think that might be the one:thumbup::)
I really like the Blackwoods though.Still up in the air on this one.
 
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Try your local yellow pages for an Irish Shop in your area. there, maybe you can get a real blackthorn that you can pick out from what they have on hand. A real blackthorn is a wonderfull thing. With a bum right ankle I've been using one for the last 35 years, and have got a small collection of them. Most came from a local Irish Shop called The irish Walk, in Alexandria Virginia.

How tall is your dad? finding a shop near you will let you select a stick that is sized right for his hight. it makes a difference. A stick/cane should come to the middle of the inside of his wrist when standing normal with his hands by his sides. Also, a root knob that is less of a round ball and more elongated like the handle of a Kentucky flintlock pistol is more comfortable than in the hand than a typical round root knob if there is a real infirmity.
 
A few from Mendowood. These are made from a steel pipe, 1/2" dia. or in the case of the two on the right 3/4" dia.. The 3/4 inchers are heavy. Either size will work for thug wacking or for walking.

IMG_2501_2.jpg
 
jackknife said:
Try your local yellow pages for an Irish Shop in your area. there, maybe you can get a real blackthorn that you can pick out from what they have on hand. A real blackthorn is a wonderfull thing. With a bum right ankle I've been using one for the last 35 years, and have got a small collection of them. Most came from a local Irish Shop called The irish Walk, in Alexandria Virginia.

How tall is your dad? finding a shop near you will let you select a stick that is sized right for his hight. it makes a difference. A stick/cane should come to the middle of the inside of his wrist when standing normal with his hands by his sides. Also, a root knob that is less of a round ball and more elongated like the handle of a Kentucky flintlock pistol is more comfortable than in the hand than a typical round root knob if there is a real infirmity.
Click to expand...

My dad used to be 5'9",but I think he's shrunk a little due to back operations & age.We're about the same size ,between 5'7"-5'8".I measured what height would be comfortable for me,which is 36"-37".I come from a pretty short family.My Mother's barely 5':o
Thanks for the tip jackknife:thumbup:All you guys are so helpful:thumbup::)
I only hope I can be as helpful to other forumites as they have been to me.
 
Thomason said:
A few from Mendowood. These are made from a steel pipe, 1/2" dia. or in the case of the two on the right 3/4" dia.. The 3/4 inchers are heavy. Either size will work for thug wacking or for walking.

IMG_2501_2.jpg
Click to expand...

Those are some real beauties Thomason:thumbup:Unfourtunately the cane/stick can't be too heavy,cause he's got a torn rotator cuff that never healed properly.Poor guy has trouble picking up a gallon of milk:(,but he's headstrong & likes to walk around a lot,even with all his aches & pains.Still a tough old bird IMO;)
 
JTR357 said:
Unfourtunately the cane/stick can't be too heavy,cause he's got a torn rotator cuff that never healed properly.Poor guy has trouble picking up a gallon of milk:(,
Click to expand...

I just weighed my 3/4" Mendowood at 22 oz. And a cane isn't something he'd be hauling around, it will be hauling him around. He'll only feel the weight momentarily, as he lifts it for the next swing forward.

Actually, a knobtop is the least supportive. He should probably get a crooktop or something like a derby or the Cold Steel pistol grip.
 
Thanks for the advice Esav.I'll keep that in mind.NO KNOBTOPS.What do you think of the CS city stick?Is it hvy?Good support?SD if need be?I see you had one.Besides it being too elegant,were you happy with it?
 
By way of comparison, my 36" Irish Blackthorn, (slightly over 1" diameter) comes in at 13.75 oz. Light and strong enough for walking and SD uses.
 
Blues said:
By way of comparison, my 36" Irish Blackthorn, (slightly over 1" diameter) comes in at 13.75 oz. Light and strong enough for walking and SD uses.
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Wow that is light!I just seen the CS city stick is 30+oz.I think I'm gonna do some serious searching on Blackthorns.I still have over a month til' Fathers Day.
Thanks again Blues:thumbup:
 
You may also want to check out Canemasters for a nice hickory cane. Tough, light, and since it's a crook top, very inconpicous looking.
 
jackknife said:
You may also want to check out Canemasters for a nice hickory cane. Tough, light, and since it's a crook top, very inconpicous looking.
Click to expand...

They're nice,but I'm looking for something a little more classier & not so old man-ish.Preferably with a steel or hardwood handle/scull-crusher:D

Thanks jackknife:thumbup:
 
I felt the City Stick was too much like something I'd carry to the opera, and I don't carry myself to the opera, so ... it was still a very solid weapon, and the weight is all in the stainless steel knob, which made it a pleasure to swing along on a walk. Much too dressy for a kid from the South Bronx like me. :)

Besides giving you options, I guess I could give you advice, too. Get him a real blackthorn. Light, strong, classic. True, a knobtop is not the best for weight-bearing, but I get the idea he needs it more for balance than for a crutch. Find one with a bit of a handle and he's good to go, and a real blackthorn fits in anywhere.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I felt the City Stick was too much like something I'd carry to the opera, and I don't carry myself to the opera, so ... it was still a very solid weapon, and the weight is all in the stainless steel knob, which made it a pleasure to swing along on a walk. Much too dressy for a kid from the South Bronx like me. :)

Besides giving you options, I guess I could give you advice, too. Get him a real blackthorn. Light, strong, classic. True, a knobtop is not the best for weight-bearing, but I get the idea he needs it more for balance than for a crutch. Find one with a bit of a handle and he's good to go, and a real blackthorn fits in anywhere.
Click to expand...

Sound advice.Much appreciated.Thanks Esav:thumbup::)
 
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