Bobs Stickmaking Pages - A blackthorn hiking staff with a spalted rowan knob #099

099 - A blackthorn hiking staff topped with a spalted rowan knob.
Maximum overall length 51" / 1.3m
Medium to thick, and medium to heavy weight.

I was asked to produce a stout blackthorn hiking staff with a knob end, but was unable to obtain a suitable shank with a natural knob attached. I therefore fitted a piece from a thick rowan branch and worked this to shape in situ. This is not turned on a lathe, but shaped by hand, extending and expanding the shape of the shank through to the top of the knob, following the grain and features of the wood.
The lighter colours of the spalted wood complemented the dark blackthorn bark very nicely, but seemed perhaps a little incongruous on the top face. So I stained the top a dark brown colour to match the colour of the shank, and provide a sense of continuity.

A spacer of black buffalo horn is fitted between the knob and shank to enhance the visual contrast.
The knots and knobbles of the blackthorn shank have been smoothed down, but not removed altogether. This retains the rugged appearance, but renders the shank safe and comfortable to handle.
The bark is a lovely deep, rich red-brown colour.