038 - A long, stripped willow shank topped with a brass owl.

Willow is often overlooked by stickmakers on the grounds that the bark is not very attractive and the stems tend to be too "whippy" and flexible. I agree about the bark, but there's some nice wood underneath, showing attractive "flaming" around the distinctive knots. The shank is extremely light and, in this case, no more whippy than the equivalent hazel shank.

It's a long pole (which I can cut down to suit the user), which could be used as a hiking pole or general-purpose staff. Because of the light weight, I would add some weight to the bottom of the stick when I cut it to size.

The slight kink in the shank provides a comfortable grip.