Bob's Stickmaking Pages

128 - A t-handle walking stick/cane made from a knobbly piece of blackthorn. The handle is carved in the shape of an old boot.

Maximum length approx. 36.5"/ 930mm (not including the toe of the boot).

Medium to heavy weight, very strong and solid.

What little blackthorn we find growing in these parts tends to be stunted, ragged stuff from small thickets. I cut this short piece from one such thicket, complete with a chunk of the rootstock. The thin end had a sharp kink in it, which if removed would make the shank too short for most people. I would have to find some way to incorporate the kink into the design of the stick. At the other end, the rootstock had a big split in it which had let in moisture, softening the sapwood, but turning the heartwood a dark purplish colour and making it rock-hard.

After seasoning for about 5 years, I decided it was time to see what could be done with it. I cut away all the soft wood, hollowing out the split in the handle, and whittled away at what was left, working towards a comfortable t-handle shape. Eventually it became obvious what shape it wanted to be and I ended up with this down-at-heel boot! I added some brass pins for hobnails, added the lace holes and hinted at the actual lacing with a pattern of criss-cross lines.

Turning my attention to the thin end, I gained an extra couple of inches by making up a long buffalo horn tip, following the wobbly line of the blackthorn. Although unconventional, this works very well. The stick is good and strong, offering plenty of support. The buffalo horn tip has a stainless steel rod running through it and well into the end of the wood; this gives strength to the joint and wear resistance to the tip.

The handle is extremely comfortable in either hand. A natural hollow just below the handle provides a perfect resting place for the right thumb (northpaws) or left index finger (southpaws).

Now just enjoy the pictures...

 

   

   

  

  

    

Another very silly (but very comfortable) stick from yours truly. Note that it would not be practical to shorten this stick by more than about 1.5" / 25mm.

SOLD

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