Walking stick / hiking stick / hiking staff - What do you use?

[ron55]

If I find an interesting stick while out hiking, I take it home and dress it up a little.

 

[Crappie71]

If I find an interesting stick while out hiking, I take it home and dress it up a little.

Nice group! I like the third one on the right. What kind of wood is it?

 

[ron55]

Thanks - That one is oak with a black gel stain.

 

[eveled]

Anyone ever see the threaded stainless staff made to thread into a hollow handle RANDALL?

More information. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/byrd-walking-staff-for-randall-model-18-survival

 

[DRM]

I like using a walking stick/staff. Adds stability. And I have an issue with my hip. Normally it's fine, but occasionally it hangs up until I turn it exactly so. The stick gives reassurance in such situations.

I have one of those folding rods. It's handy for traveling.

But I prefer wood.

The bamboo pole has the advantage in weight. The walking stick is oak. It's heavier, but more satisfying to hold in my hand. So the bamboo gets used for longer treks and the oak gets used on my evening stroll through the neighborhood.

Anyone else use a walking / hiking stick?

I like using a walking stick/staff. Adds stability. And I have an issue with my hip. Normally it's fine, but occasionally it hangs up until I turn it exactly so. The stick gives reassurance in such situations.

I have one of those folding rods. It's handy for traveling.

But I prefer wood.

The bamboo pole has the advantage in weight. The walking stick is oak. It's heavier, but more satisfying to hold in my hand. So the bamboo gets used for longer treks and the oak gets used on my evening stroll through the neighborhood.

Anyone else use a walking / hiking stick?

Irish blackthorn walking stick that I purchased from a maker in Ireland.

 

[EngrSorenson]

Here's my latest- more of a hiking 'cane' more than a traditional walking stick, I suppose.
I sized it so my hand can rest comfortably palm down on top, and my elbow makes a right angle.
I found a birch sapling, cut down in it's prime, on a hike as part of trail maintenance, so I picked it up.
It sports a turned Mexican Bocote knob and a turned local piece of maple for the foot to slide on.

 

[DirtDawg]

Here's my latest- more of a hiking 'cane' more than a traditional walking stick, I suppose.
I sized it so my hand can rest comfortably palm down on top, and my elbow makes a right angle.
I found a birch sapling, cut down in it's prime, on a hike as part of trail maintenance, so I picked it up.
It sports a turned Mexican Bocote knob and a turned local piece of maple for the foot to slide on.

Nice stick... but what's in the Kydex sheath?

 

[Blue Sky]

Nice stick... but what's in the Kydex sheath?

Spoken like a true BF’er, lol

 

[EngrSorenson]

Nice stick... but what's in the Kydex sheath?

Well, sir, that was a very kind gift from Murphjd25 - it's a Carothers Kephart.
Outstanding knife.

 

[12345678910]

Nice stick... but what's in the Kydex sheath?

It's a knife.

 

[A.L.]

I sold my telescopic hiking poles after one hike. I guess the woods where I am are too brushy to enjoy them because I just ended carrying them for 90% of the time. I also hated the finnicky straps and the fact that I had my hands occupied and could not slap the millions of pests on the hike.

I have to ask my friend who got lathe to make me a fancy hiking pole for one hand because I’d definitely find one handy but two is not for me.

 

[Drop bear]

I sold my telescopic hiking poles after one hike. I guess the woods where I am are too brushy to enjoy them because I just ended carrying them for 90% of the time. I also hated the finnicky straps and the fact that I had my hands occupied and could not slap the millions of pests on the hike.

I have to ask my friend who got lathe to make me a fancy hiking pole for one hand because I’d definitely find one handy but two is not for me.

A few months ago I picked up a mountain designs collapsible mono pole thing that has the T style handle. And I use that a fair bit.

And it steadies my camera at night and I can sort of sit/ lean on it.

And it folds up in to the backpack if I didn't want to use it.

No real straps.

 

[DirtDawg]

Well, sir, that was a very kind gift from Murphjd25 - it's a Carothers Kephart.
Outstanding knife.

I knew it had to be something cool. Being a gift makes it all the more special too.

 

[EngrSorenson]

I knew it had to be something cool. Being a gift makes it all the more special too.

Yessir, the most random act of kindness.

 

[knarfeng]

I sold my telescopic hiking poles after one hike. I guess the woods where I am are too brushy to enjoy them because I just ended carrying them for 90% of the time. I also hated the finnicky straps and the fact that I had my hands occupied and could not slap the millions of pests on the hike.

I have to ask my friend who got lathe to make me a fancy hiking pole for one hand because I’d definitely find one handy but two is not for me.

Nothing says you need to use both poles. We bought a set. My wife uses one, I use the other. Kind of a twofer affair.

 

[DirtDawg]

I told you I'd be back with updates and photos, so here goes...

Introducing Patch...
Yes, I do name all of the Walking/Hiking/Saunter Sticks I make.
See photo captions for the rest of the story.


This branch was about 16-18 feet long when I discovered it in the weeds alongside the unkempt local cemetery. Fisk however, made quick work of rescuing a portion for an upcoming winter project.


The Family Sycamore...


This beat up old Imperial camp knife has earned a spot on my workbench as an aid at times like this.


What has to be about the ugliest Colonial knife ever to hit the retail shelf is proving itself worthy all these years later as well.


I don't typically find a need for power tools with what I do, but the cordless drill and Dremel surely did come in handy at this point.


Now that horsehide looks a bit light colored for my taste.
Hmm? How about applying some Neatsfoot Oil to see how much it will darken?
Yes, I believe that's it now.


I also believe it's time to get a grip on things.


Of course, a Shoe Goo covered tip is a necessity.


Measuring in at 54 inches in length, and weighing in at 1 lb - 11.4 oz total, with leather lanyard, I'm pleased with the end result. I particularly like the way that Sycamore finished up with the Boiled Linseed Oil.


Have a great day everyone. Keep those blades sharp and joints oiled.

 

[desmobob]

It seemed like the year I turned 60, I lost a lot of my sure-footedness. I had always used hiking poles when backpacking, but now I used them for every hike. I have a very nice pair of aluminum Leki poles and an even nicer pair of Black Diamond carbon fiber poles. They give me a ton of confidence when the footing is sketchy.

 

[A.L.]

Nothing says you need to use both poles. We bought a set. My wife uses one, I use the other. Kind of a twofer affair.

That’s what I reckoned too.

 

[ron55]

Neighbor lost some branches from a walnut tree. I gained another hiking stick.

 

[The Zieg]

I just bought a long shepherd's crook from Big R that I plan to use on my next big walk.