Hikeing staff

[Fred A]

What's the best way to straighten the staff, not completely of course, just enough to give it character?

 

[longbow50]

I've used heat to straighten bamboo and cedar for arrows. Not as large in diameter as a walking staff though. I use a small torch, but a stove, campfire or any heat source will probably work if you take your time and heat it gradually and evenly in the area you want to straighten, taking care not to scorch the wood. Although, I've seen some walking staffs that had been scorched deliberately, making a pattern.

 

[Morose]

Having made a few walking sticks and shepherds crooks I always use steam to straighten my shanks. A large pan of hot water, patience and some protection for hands is all you need.

 

[Fred A]

for the replies I was worried that i'd have to soak the area I wanted to straighten.

 

[Gadget54]

Steam is the best way, and you don't have to soak. I have friends in the Traditional Bow community that make Recurve bows without and fiberglass and all they do is steam it up and then tie clamp it down on a form until it cools.

Some have used a pipe with an open end over the pot of boiling water. The walking stick would be suspended in the pipe.

Gadget54