by Sharon » Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:11 pm
well, i'm quite inspired by the bamboo one, but i think it would seem wrong to make a bamboo one when we have plenty of local trees waiting to donate a limb to the cause.
What I would go with is Hazel, because it grows straight, is nice and solid - essential for walking stick combat - its what is traditionally used for making sticks in Scotland...and its also one of the few trees that i can identify!! (in the winter anyway).
Personally i would like a good sheep or cow horn on the top...these could add significant advantage to your stick. The sheep horn create a nice crook end, which would be handy for aprehending young scallywags should they try and say nick yor wallet and run away....
The cow horn would create a lovely spear like point, which in the wilds would mean your stick could easily double up as a handy spear. Great for catching rabbits for the cooking pot.
I've actually always fancied a stick...they run walking stick / crook making classes down my way...don't suppose there would be much call in Glasgow!! I'll probally just end up with a light weight walking pole, which i've been eyeing up for a wee while...don't know if you can bond with graphite though....
Beware of yawning dogs.