Walking Sticks

[Scorp]

Hi Folks,

I've always been interested in walking sticks, hiking sticks, and canes. I've finally had some time to make a few. What makes them more special is the sticks come from one of many of our maple trees.

I've been carving with my deceased grandfather's pocket/fishing knife and it's pretty cool using that. I have a another pocket knife that I use for a different type of grasp in the stripping of the bark which gives it a different flare.

I'm not an expert at this, but I've made 4 so far and try to do something different with each one, and each has their own different characteristic and color.

Neighbors tell me that I should sell them at yard sales and/or flea markets. I just laugh and say nah who would buy these? They've given me the nickname Gepetto LOL...

I also am trying my hand at carving them. I recently purchased carving tools and am trying to go that route just for the heck of it. I'm not looking to make any type of profit from this and honestly wouldn't want to part with any of them.

Carving is difficult and I plan on learning a lot more about it whenever I'm able to dedicate a lot more time to it. That's something you need many years of experience to do. Some of the carving work I've researched is phenomenal. I have a whole new respect for folks who carve and make amazing things out of wood or any type of material(s). What a gift!

Best,
-Scorp-

[Jess]

Originally Posted by Scorp

Hi Folks,

I've always been interested in walking sticks, hiking sticks, and canes. I've finally had some time to make a few. What makes them more special is the sticks come from one of many of our maple trees.

I've been carving with my deceased grandfather's pocket/fishing knife and it's pretty cool using that. I have a another pocket knife that I use for a different type of grasp in the stripping of the bark which gives it a different flare.

I'm not an expert at this, but I've made 4 so far and try to do something different with each one, and each has their own different characteristic and color.

Neighbors tell me that I should sell them at yard sales and/or flea markets. I just laugh and say nah who would buy these? They've given me the nickname Gepetto LOL...

I also am trying my hand at carving them. I recently purchased carving tools and am trying to go that route just for the heck of it. I'm not looking to make any type of profit from this and honestly wouldn't want to part with any of them.

Carving is difficult and I plan on learning a lot more about it whenever I'm able to dedicate a lot more time to it. That's something you need many years of experience to do. Some of the carving work I've researched is phenomenal. I have a whole new respect for folks who carve and make amazing things out of wood or any type of material(s). What a gift!

Best,
-Scorp-

As soon as one of your sticks starts talking to ya there Gepetti... you know, the "OW, I'm a real boy!" kinda thing.. you best put the stick down and back slowly away! This ain't no Disney film!

This is actually very cool. Would love to see some photos if you are so inclined... hint hint.. no pressure... I've been learning a great deal about working with wood, in the reno/ building structures aspect of things and am looking forward to getting into more of the finer aspects of woodworking, like building furniture pieces and refinishing antiques.

I agree, it is a wonderfully zen craft. Learning the grains and how wood has memory ( like most things) and figuring out exactly where to make cuts and how deep, etc. Kudos to you and your new found hobby/passion! Love seeing friends find new things that bring them joy!

[Scorp]

LOL...Jess, I'll definitely post some pics in this thread soon.

Great, more weapons, just what I need I may move on to billy clubs and spears at some point. So much for removing sharp objects from within my reach. My other nickname will be "Mafioso" wait, to some end it already is...

Anyway, I'm really diggin' all the possibilities with this sort of thing, but again, it's finding the time for a more detail aspect.

Originally Posted by Jess

As soon as one of your sticks starts talking to ya there Gepetti... you know, the "OW, I'm a real boy!" kinda thing.. you best put the stick down and back slowly away! This ain't no Disney film!

This is actually very cool. Would love to see some photos if you are so inclined... hint hint.. no pressure... I've been learning a great deal about working with wood, in the reno/ building structures aspect of things and am looking forward to getting into more of the finer aspects of woodworking, like building furniture pieces and refinishing antiques.

I agree, it is a wonderfully zen craft. Learning the grains and how wood has memory ( like most things) and figuring out exactly where to make cuts and how deep, etc. Kudos to you and your new found hobby/passion! Love seeing friends find new things that bring them joy!

[Jess]

these are gorgeous:


sherpas never leave home without them!:


a good stick can help you get to interesting places, like this:


or this:


or this:

[Wryly]

Scorp -

Are you going to the Reunion? Maybe you could donate one to the raffle if you can.

But yes - pictures!

I bought a pair of walking sticks from Target last year - - however a friend borrowed them and I have yet to use them myself!

[AtLast]

What a kewl thread!

[Scorp]

Jess,

Awesome pics! My favorites are 1, 4 and 6 and my desire is to make sticks that look just like those!

That's exactly what I was talking about earlier and my vision is to make them look like that with carving. But hell, it's really difficult! I am NOWHERE near being experienced like that. That will take me an eternity. For now it's carving the bark off, and indicating little minut designs and shellacking them only. And I also, put rubber leg tips on the bottom of them.

One day I hope to make expert sticks like that.

[QUOTE=Jess;396921]these are gorgeous


Wryly, I was actually thinking about that earlier when I first started this thread, (about donating them) but quite honestly, they're not perfected like that!! Those sticks in the picture above are truly amazing!!

AtLast, Thanks & WELCOME TO THIS THREAD!!

[Medusa]

I want a walking stick!

I would feel all "Gandolf" if I had one that looked like #6!