Notes on sticks and canes
I started woodcarving a few years ago by adorning simple walking sticks with carved items, either as a topper or on the shafts. The sticks were always fully functional, made from air dried white ash, preferably, for strength and durability. Straight aspen was easier to work with and once seasoned, provided a lighter stick with sufficient strength as well. Since then I have used many types of wood including beech, the maples, ironwood, oak, dogwood, yellow birch and cherry. All have their unique qualities and ease of working with tools.
Walking sticks are essential for hikers, as their use will take some of the load from the knees. Quite often these days, pro hikers will carry and use two! I always found them useful for support, especially in the backwoods, and encouraged our local scouts to create their own for the many hikes they would take. You will find they always have a function on the trails, from being pressed into service as a quick tent or tarp pole, to reaching way up for that big juicy apple in the tree. Even in urban areas, a walking stick can be useful when you come across unfriendly dogs or other beasts.
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