Walking stick?

[forgeblast]

When we moved, I didnt have anyone with in 2 1/2 hours to practice with. But I really enjoyed Aikido, The crew in Nc that I was able to be part of was like family there and I was able to make a few of the Summer Camps that are a week long. I really miss it some times, and I know my daughter will train in it at some time. I have her in gymnastics now a lot of that will transfer to the falls and break falls that are in Aikido.
I have tried different types of martial arts before Aikido, I found Aikido just fit with me.
I trained mostly with USAF(us aikdio federation) folks, and we did a bit of Iaido. Before we moved from NC I did want to try Kyudo(archery) but I just didnt have the time.

 

[nue2farm]

I have two hickory staffs about 12 years old. I also have several walking staffs the local beavers cut and peeled for me. For a little extra.... traction... with one, you can drill several inches into the end and epoxy a piece of rebar into the end. Sharpen or rounded does the trick. Have fun and stay safe..... Paul

 

[PILOON]

For tips, I drill and use hardened concrete nails as they wear well.
I then turn,sand the last 3/4" to fit a plumbing 'PEX' ring and then swage the ring on tight usint the PEX crimping tool.
You could also pound the ring on a slightly oversize end.
The rings are brass so they can be polished for a pretty finish.

I have made many canes/walking sticks from maple saplings that the snow plow flips when he does his work. With time they straighten back up leaving a beautiful curved cane handle grip.

Kinda a nice pastime just sitting in the sun whittling away. Just need me a rocking chair and spitoon to complete the picture. LOL!

 

[PILOON]

For tips, I drill and use hardened concrete nails as they wear well.
I then turn,sand the last 3/4" to fit a plumbing 'PEX' ring and then swage the ring on tight usint the PEX crimping tool.
You could also pound the ring on a slightly oversize end.
The rings are brass so they can be polished for a pretty finish.

I have made many canes/walking sticks from maple saplings that the snow plow flips when he does his work. With time they straighten back up leaving a beautiful curved cane handle grip.

Kinda a nice pastime just sitting in the sun whittling away. Just need me a rocking chair and spitoon to complete the picture. LOL!

 

[k0ua]

For tips, I drill and use hardened concrete nails as they wear well.
I then turn,sand the last 3/4" to fit a plumbing 'PEX' ring and then swage the ring on tight usint the PEX crimping tool.
You could also pound the ring on a slightly oversize end.
The rings are brass so they can be polished for a pretty finish.

I have made many canes/walking sticks from maple saplings that the snow plow flips when he does his work. With time they straighten back up leaving a beautiful curved cane handle grip.

Kinda a nice pastime just sitting in the sun whittling away. Just need me a rocking chair and spitoon to complete the picture. LOL!

Interesting ideas.. Thanks!

James K0UA

 

[Ken]

Spent a couple of days in Wisconsin at cattle sale and staying in motel . One morning there were several teen girls coming down to the breakfast room All were wearing a back pack and all had a steel ball bat stuck into the pack over shoulder. My first impression was must be a tough neighbor hood I was in.
Then remembered the base ball tournament in the town.
Some how felt better.
ken

 

[Lady Tonka]

I've always scrounged my walking sticks from deadfall hardwood trees and always have one with me on my daily walks of five to six miles on different rural area loops in my area. And what do you encounter while walking in the country? Why, loose dogs, of course! I have no problem with Rover defending his turf and charging me as I pass his driveway -- AS LONG AS he doesn't come after me on the public road. However, Rover more often than not didn't get the memo on that from his owner, so my walking sticks have saved my bacon several times. The latest was a loose pit bull who cornered me against the metal road barrier, snarling and barking his head off while I screamed at the house to get the owner's attention. What did the lady do? Kicked her dog back into the yard and said it was MY fault for having a walking stick that seemed threatening to her dog. When I gritted my teeth and said her right to let Rover run at passers-by ended where the public road started, she told me to go **** myself and walked back into the house.

Gosh, I wish I coulda been a fly on the wall when the sheriff showed up to talk to her about the dangerous dog complaint I filed! Turns out this was the THIRD such complaint at that address. Just walked by there today with my stick at the ready, and there was the pit bull, chained up at his doghouse in the yard and giving me the evil eye as I passed! :laughing:

I've also successfully used a compact umbrella, snapping it open towards the dog as he approaches and continuing to walk by while partially hidden behind it at waist level. It confuses them long enough for me to escape.

 

[newbury]

I rarely use a walking stick, perhaps because I associate them with injury.

My favorite stick/cane is a piece of a maple sapling my grandfather cut for me back in '72. He just walked across the road from our 30 acre lot and cut it, peeled it and gave it to me because I was hating the crutches I had to use because of a full leg cast.

It's a fairly simple piece with a nice knurled top on the staff (probably was the root), just the right thickness, light, about 5' 6" long and surprisingly strong . All that was done was strip the bark. I wish he had put his initials in it. Every one who comments on it thinks it's unique, and handsome.

I've had three back surgeries, numerous bad back sprains, twisted ankles and broken feet and it's come thru for me every time. And almost every time I use it I think of Gramps, who passed in '77.