Michigan Shillelagh

rjdankert

rjdankert

Joined
Mar 10, 2011
Messages
2,661
I've wanted one for awhile so after the Texas shillelagh thread I started searching the web. I like the look of the ones made from Blackthorn. Aparently they can be found here, but are not native. Hmm I have a couple of Thornapples on my property.

Here is one


Blackthorn and Thornapple are not in the same family:concern:. But the descriptions of them are similar: very hard and thorny.

After looking for the right branch I came out with this 36 inch piece


I would have liked to have the bark on, but it was a real mess compared to the pictures of Blackthorn I've seen.


Now it needs to dry. Then I'll do some shaping and smoothing on the handle/head, finish and probably add a cap to the toe.

Thanks for looking.
 
Groovy. Let's get a shillelagh going for every danged state now. Long about next November I'll be posting photos of the finished Texas version. :)
 
jpeeler said:
Interesting! Here's to hoping it doesn't crack too bad/at all!
Click to expand...

Me too but I think there will be some checking before its dry. I've sealed the ends. I think someone in the Texas thread mentioned wrapping in paper bag material so I think I'll do that as well. I've seen pictures of older Blackthorn shillelaghs with checks in the heads. Anyway if it checks it checks. Hopefully not so bad that I can't give someone a good whack one their head.:D
 
gregorio said:
Nice looking project there. Are you going to finish it further after it dries?
Click to expand...

Thanks, I think I will sand the knobs (where the thorns and branches were) so there are no sharp points. Then shape the handle to what feels and looks good to me. Not sure about stain, oil etc. Probably won't use the butter and chimney technique though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top