Stickmaking materials

The materials used in making a traditional hand-crafted stick fall into the following categories. Click on the links to find out more about the different materials used.

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Links will become available as I create the relevant sub-pages. This is going to be quite a lengthy undertaking, so although I don't like inflicting unfinished pages on my visitors, I'm making an exception in this case. I expect each sub-page to develop from a basic plain text version as & when I get a chance to add suitable graphics.
The shank - most often made from the naturally-growing stem, branch or side-shoot of a tree or shrub. In fact, practically anything can be (and probably has been) used to make a walking-stick shank, including glass, plastic, ivory, a giant cabbage stalk, even a bull's penis! However, each material has its own characteristics, affecting appearance, shape, strength, stiffness and weight...and price. So no single material is suitable for every stick.	Hazel Blackthorn Holly Chestnut Ash Birch Rowan Willow Sycamore Dog Rose Others
The handle, head or knob. In a way, this is the most important part of a stick because it's the bit you hold in your hand and interact with. The design and execution of the handle must combine an attractive appearance with comfort and practicality. A handle may have a purely utilitarian (but still attractive) design, or may have a more decorative shape.	Wood (cut from a slab) Wood (natural shapes) Antler Horn Other materials Shapes
The joint or "marriage" between the handle and shank. This must be strong enough to resist the stresses and shocks of everyday use, but must not spoil the appearance of the stick - a point to bear in mind especially when working with semi-transparent rams' horn. The joint may be embellished with a spacer or collar of contrasting material, and , done properly, can greatly enhance the appearance of a stick. Done badly, it can ruin the potential of a good handle and shank.	Jointing Spacers & collars
The finish. The varnish, oil or other finish applied to the handle or shank of a stick makes all the difference to its feel, appearance and durability. My choice of finish depends on the materials used in making the stick and on the use to which the stick will be put. Sometimes a stick's appearance can be enhanced by colouring the materials using paints, dyes, inks or chemical action.	Finishes
Decorations and embellishments. On occasions, the careful selection and application of embellishments may improve the appearance of a stick. These may take the form of carvings, or decorative objects mounted on the surface, inlaid, or embedded in clear casting resin. Care is needed to ensure that these are in keeping with the overall appearance and quality of the stick. Embedding a tacky little plastic-cased magnetic compass in a stick handle is not in my opinion an enhancement!	Decorations
Man-made materials. Should a traditional craft use only materials that have traditionally been used in the past, or does the tradition consist of using whatever materials are readily available at the time?	Plastics
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This page last updated Wednesday, 13 December 2006 (more tweaking)