CS Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick

[craigz]

Speaking as someone who needs a cane sometimes, I'd suggest that you think about providing your dad with proper support before you consider stylishness or self-defense. As someone said earlier, make sure you get a cane that's the correct length for his height and reach. Get one with a wide rubber ferrule on the bottom, that will give good purchase on the ground. Also, consider the comfort and gripability of the handle. I think I'd have a problem holding onto most of the knob-headed canes suggested here, for example. I like the standard crook for leverage, and also for hooking the cane over my arm, to free up both hands. Mine is plain, dark hardwood (I don't know what kind) that I got at a surgical supply store about ten years ago for $45.

 

[Don_Luis]

Probably a bit off topic but I think these may be interesting.

The one on the left belonged to my grandfather, the one in the middle to my grandmother, I believe they are both from the 1950's. They are hollow, strong and lightweight, some kind of bamboo I guess, they are made in one piece except for a small hardwood stub stuck in the end to hold the rubber ferrule.

The one on the right is mine, one piece, made in Spain, IIRC about $20 U.S. at a local tobacco shop, the handle made my hand sweat but after wrapping it with cord I find it very comfortable, the Turk's head knot is just decoration, I added the flames decal because my daughter is a fan of Dr. House.

Luis


Click to enlarge

 

[Bimmer1]

I pre-ordered two of the Cold Steel Irish Blackthorn Walking Sticks. I don't think they are actually due out until the end of May or sometime in June. I'm not the biggest Cold Steel fan in the world but I like the looks of the synthetic blackthorn. Hopefully it will be decent. Street price is about $36

 

[Bimmer1]

My Cold Steel synthetic Blackthorns arrived today. The weight and feel leads me to believe these are solid construction and not hollow.

They are very nice for the money. I'm wondering how well the faux wood grain handle piece is going to hold up. It appears to be epoxied to the stick but also seems secure at this point. That is the only thing I can see that might pose a potential problem in the future.

 

[Mountainman38]

Hi Everyone
I've been looking for a new walking stick/cane for my Dad for 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.

I don't know if you were able to get a good cane for your father (I hope you were!), but I'd like to warn anyone off from buying the Cold Steel African Walking stick.

I thought they looked nifty, so I bought one awhile back. It's useless. The stick is heavy, the head is too big to grip easily, it's too short for me (I'm 6'3"), and it's made of a plastic that's wobbly and bendable. I have never taken it out of the house, and don't plan to.

About a year ago I had some bulging discs cause me enough pain that I needed some support, and ended up making myself a cane. I got some very tough wood, and sanded/carved/varnished one for myself that I absolutely love! Though my back is better, I still carry the cane on walks just because I like it so much.

If you got a chance to craft something for your father yourself, I bet he would love it! This route also lets you experiment with different configurations, and it's a lot of fun to carry something you or someone close to you made.