How to make hikint sticks self collected wood shape

Walking sticks ready to make then unique

 Many times people ask what shape should they collect when they plan to make a hiking stick or walking staff.  Usually the sticks are straight or slightly curved. But if you look in past posts you will see a few unusual shaped hiking sticks and walking staffs. When you select the stick to make your walking staff or hiking stick do not limit yourself to only collect perfectly straight sticks.

You will notice a few of the walking sticks ready to be worked have various bends in them. Many have branch parts still attached too. When I collect walking sticks to make, I almost always leave  few branches on it to give me options in the future.

Beyond the shape of he walking stick, right after you collect it you need to determine if you are going to leave the bark on or not. It is much easier to remove the bark when the stick if fresh than when it dries up. When making a walking stick you have many design options and styles choices. Do you plan to add a rope weave for the hand hold area of you walking stick project? Or wood burn images or use a fancy staining technique to create intricate designs on the wood? Making walking sticks with your own hand will give your hiking sticks and walking staffs uniqueness. It a great hobby and brings your vacations home with you if you collect your own wood.