WisBorn
Contributing Member
I have used some different maples for walking staffs .
Hickory walking stick for SD.
- Thread starter mope540
- Start date
CoalTrain49
Member
Our maples are Big Leaf. Not as hard as Sugar or Black maple found in other parts of the US. Ours is considered a soft maple not suitable for furniture or any use except firewood. I'm looking for something like Hickory that make good tool handles. You know, really hard when cured.
.308 Norma
Member
That was our "guard" dog, Ruger peeking around the corner. But this is what I carry (along with pepper spray and a .32 H&R revolver) on my exercise hikes down to Marsh Creek and back. It's a handle for some kind of digging tool, and I picked it up at Ace Hardware, then added the rubber end cap and leather boot lace (for a wrist strap) to it. I can't remember what I paid for everything - not a whole lot though.
There's nothing fancy about it, but it's effective. All I've ever had to do is "show" it (by tapping the end of it on the asphalt) to the large farm and ranch dogs that run a hundred yards down someone's driveway to yell at me for trespassing on "their" sections of a public road.
When I "show" my big stick to those dogs, they always just put the brakes on, then stand there and moan in frustration as I walk on by. I'd pepper spray a dog if it got close enough, and I'd shoot one as a last resort. Luckily, when the dogs see my big stick, I've never had to use either my pepper spray or my .32 H&R.
CoalTrain49
Member
View attachment 1121762
That was our "guard" dog, Ruger peeking around the corner. But this is what I carry (along with pepper spray and a .32 H&R revolver) on my exercise hikes down to Marsh Creek and back. It's a handle for some kind of digging tool, and I picked it up at Ace Hardware, then added the rubber end cap and leather boot lace (for a wrist strap) to it. I can't remember what I paid for everything - not a whole lot though.
There's nothing fancy about it, but it's effective. All I've ever had to do is "show" it (by tapping the end of it on the asphalt) to the large farm and ranch dogs that run a hundred yards down someone's driveway to yell at me for trespassing on "their" sections of a public road.
When I "show" my big stick to those dogs, they always just put the brakes on, then stand there and moan in frustration as I walk on by. I'd pepper spray a dog if it got close enough, and I'd shoot one as a last resort. Luckily, when the dogs see my big stick, I've never had to use either my pepper spray or my .32 H&R.
That might be the ticket. I'll check a few hardware stores. I know there are a few sites online where I can buy one but I don't need anything fancy, just stout enough to use to defend myself from critters. I like Hickory because it's hard and strong.
I did some research on some of the trees on our property, one of which is Washington Hawthorn. Seems they make good hard sticks. I'll bust some brush when it stops snowing and take a look at one near the house.
Thanks for the suggestions all.
Seedy Character
Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2021
- Messages
- 2,064
Pretty good deterrent under that rubber foot.
We have had 2 dogs come at us, when walking. I came very close to shooting 1, but they backed off, when confronted.
Since the walking stick, none have come near.
MutinousDoug
Member
Do a search for hickory "livestock canes". They're about 1 1/8" dia and a little more expensive now than when I bought mine 10-15 years ago but still worthwhile. I'm 5'-6" in height so I made my cane 34". It weighs about 20-21 oz at that length with a Walgreen's rubber tip. If you're any taller, buy the 5' cane and saw it off in increments to the length you're comfortable with.
If you're using it for hiking, you want a little extra length to push you uphill from behind and as a brake in front and side on the downhills.
If you're using it for hiking, you want a little extra length to push you uphill from behind and as a brake in front and side on the downhills.
Jim Watson
Member
There is a Tuesday Trade Day here and the Handle Man is a regular.
He has stock canes and various long straight handles that would make staffs.
He has stock canes and various long straight handles that would make staffs.
Elkins45
Member
If you have Tractor Supply stores where you are they have an inexpensive shepherds cane that might be worth investigating.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/us-whip-wooden-cane-36-in?cm_vc=-10005
If you are looking for a bit assistance walking/balancing, you can find the length to cut off your stock cane by resting the handle on the ground and marking where the shaft reaches your wrist with your arm relaxed at your side. That gives the length for comfortable walking and support. Depending upon how thick a tip you put on it you may need to remove a quarter inch or so.
https://images.app.goo.gl/5yfHW7vpLoTtd2aL6
Charlie Martinez
Member
I have recently developed painful arthritis in my knees and began using a walking stick when I take my dog on trail walks. Less than a week ago we (my dog and I) I were jumped by three stray or lose dogs, one of them a bullie type of decent size. I stood my ground and when I raised the walking stick and they all took notice of it and stopped. Keeping my German Shepherd from going after them with murder in mind was a different story but luckily all the training we do payed off and he reacted immediately to my recall (I was a proud dad). The situation ended in a standoff that went away as soon as we walked about 40 yards from the scene & I think the stick had a lot to do with the outcome.
My stick is about shoulder high & made from an avocado tree branch. It isn't particularly strong wood like hickory but it is very light, easy to carry and really helps me walk especially in rough ground. I would very much like a stick made from hickory but as far as I know hickory does not grow in the southeast. I'm planning on making another from locally grown stronger wood like live oak or bamboo. Other options are a red oak board or a hickory rake handle from Home Depot but neither would have the uniqueness & personality of a tree branch.
My stick is about shoulder high & made from an avocado tree branch. It isn't particularly strong wood like hickory but it is very light, easy to carry and really helps me walk especially in rough ground. I would very much like a stick made from hickory but as far as I know hickory does not grow in the southeast. I'm planning on making another from locally grown stronger wood like live oak or bamboo. Other options are a red oak board or a hickory rake handle from Home Depot but neither would have the uniqueness & personality of a tree branch.
CoalTrain49
Member
I think I found my staff. I braved the cold and snow yesterday to look at a tree growing in the woods near our house. I determined that it was a Black Hawthorn
(Crataegus douglasii). I found a nice, more or less straight, 1 1/2" sapling growing near it. I'll cut that when the weather gets a little better. Snowing and 24° here right now.
Thanks all.
(Crataegus douglasii). I found a nice, more or less straight, 1 1/2" sapling growing near it. I'll cut that when the weather gets a little better. Snowing and 24° here right now.
Thanks all.
CoalTrain49
Member
Bamboo is quite strong if you can find one of the larger species. I planted some here about 20 years ago but it's the smaller variety.
It is common enough wild in the SE.
But you don't need to cut your own.
If you have a Ace Hardware or Rural King they have 54" ash and hickory "handles".
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...lRz-9ZlPH5COb88eMd0aAqu4EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.lehmans.com/product/hickory-livestock-canes/
Last edited:
tactikel
Member
Check out “Cane Masters” website they have just about anything you need for SD that is EDC. Traditional crooked canes have several advantages over a straight walking stick ( that may have hidden defects) for tactical use.
A few cane SD videos, and practice, you can put up a good response to a threat.
A few cane SD videos, and practice, you can put up a good response to a threat.
Jim Watson
Member
Ugh. I had encroaching bamboo once, just a big weed to fight.
CoalTrain49
Member
It doesn't grow very fast in this northern climate. We're basically on the Canadian border. I planted mine in 1997 and it's spread maybe 10' since.
Last edited:
.308 Norma
Member
That sounds like a great idea! This time of year, I never know when my 74-year-old ankle (that I broke on both sides while out pheasant hunting 8 or 9 years ago) is going to "act up."
Why do you carry a "full size" one when you walk the dog though? Just curious.
We have a Tractor Supply in town. I keep meaning to stop by and look at their canes.
That sounds like a great idea! This time of year, I never know when my 74-year-old ankle (that I broke on both sides while out pheasant hunting 8 or 9 years ago) is going to "act up."
Why do you carry a "full size" one when you walk the dog though? Just curious.
We have a Tractor Supply in town. I keep meaning to stop by and look at their canes.
The full size one is used as a walking staff and to discourage the other dogs we occasionally encounter.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
I understand that this thread is about Hickory walking sticks. They make baseball bats from Hickory and Ash because of there properties. They also make bats out of aluminum and other composites. If you are going to spend a lot of money on a staff look at some of purpose built staffs.
I have had this one for 25+ years and it is going strong.
Yes I like carrying a self made staff but while traveling and hiking the mountains the adjustable hikers that are light weight work great. I would use it if needed to deter a dog or snake.
I have had this one for 25+ years and it is going strong.
Yes I like carrying a self made staff but while traveling and hiking the mountains the adjustable hikers that are light weight work great. I would use it if needed to deter a dog or snake.
I have that one as well for almost as long. I agree that it would be excellent for snakes and would probably deter a dog as long as I didn't have to take a swing at it.
I wouldn't want to wack it on something and expect the aluminum tubing to not bend/kink. For any defensive stave I would want something that I would trust to be usable for several blows.
I wouldn't want to wack it on something and expect the aluminum tubing to not bend/kink. For any defensive stave I would want something that I would trust to be usable for several blows.
WisBorn
Contributing Member
I finally got around to stripping the bark off the staff I cut in November. I will give it several months to dry before it will get finished.
Nice maple stick!! Looks like it will turn out good.
