WHAT WALKING STICK IS MOST SUITABLE FOR YOUR NEEDS?

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Note this is the first of several informational guides I'll be writing:

Perhaps the first tool used by humans was a STICK!? ~ {or a stone--if your of the Liberal persuasion?}

My focus here is a stick used by a human as a Walking-Aid -or- '3rd Leg' . . .

In the process of creating & selling nearly 5000 [all different] walking-sticks, I have responded to many & sundry questions. Wheather it be at craft-shows or an internet eMail, the question most ofter tendered is. . . "What kind of stick should I get?"  Most commonly my answer is . . . "Well...What are you going to do with it?"

And at this point I will offer the following narrative ~ Other than Collector, Hallway Show, Fighting, & Commemorative Event types . . . most walking-sticks fall into only 3 categories:

1. Support
2. Strolling
3. Hiking

Support:

For the most part, this is the classic cane. If a person needs support, it is recommended that the handle have a 90 [or thereabouts]  degree extention to give more stability.  From the natural root to deer antler, there are many types of handles that may be preferred? . . . Just make sure the handle added is securely attached!  For a proper orthopedic fit, measure the length from the floor to 2" above the wrist crease whilest the person is standing erect & looking straight-away with both arms relaxed & pointing to the floor. This is the measure most Orthopedic M.D.'s use to give the cane user some flex in the elbow incase he stumbles.  The cane tip should be rubber or a combination metal/rubber thereof. My preferred wood for a cane is Dogwood or Hickory.

Strolling:

This is the most versitile of walking sticks.  It is measured from the floor to your body right at elbow-high. It gives some support--but offers more in the way of stability. This stick can have most any type of handle or root-knot crown.  In England, these are called a Thumb-Stick when there is no handle attachment. Strolling sticks are most often used in walking rolling terrain, your neighborhood sidewalk, or low hilly hiking treks. Also, it can be used in your selfe-defense if the crown is [one-piece-stick] a root-knot or solid metal attachment.  My preferred wood here is Hickory. {a strolling stick is what I use when I go hiking}

Hiking:

The classic hiking stick is taller than a strolling stick--but is not more than 10" above the elbow.  Why 10"? It is for GOING DOWN the hill that you need extra reach. If you hiking stick is is more than 10", then your carrying too much stick -and- in addition. . . Your not hiking...your climbing!  A hiking stick most ofter does not have a crown 'handle'--as it is not needed.  My preferred wood is either Diamond Willow or White Ash.

I have a lot more to say [later guides]--but will close with this thought . . . If you purchase a walking-stick as a gift, NEVER referred to it in front of the giftee as a CANE--as you are implying a label that 'your friend' is old & geriatric!  ALWAYS call your gift a WALKING-STICK. . .and monogram of his name on it makes the stick a special USEFUL creation selected just for him/her

best regards,

Tony Bado [stick-maker]

eBay user = StickWithCharacter http://stores.shop.ebay.com/BATTLEFIELD-STICKS__W0QQ_armrsZ1