How to Size Sticks - Llano Gorman

Sizing a Hiking Stick
Using a walking or hiking stick, as opposed to a walking cane with handle, is very subjective and just to remind you what Llano Gorman states, there are as many ways to measure a hiking stick as there are stairs so*** it's really what feels good to you.
Here are some guidelines, that might be helpful.
First, realize that a walking or hiking stick is moved with your wrist. In order to move it easily, your forearm needs to bend upwards from your elbow, at least slightly. For walking on flat surfaces, you could bend it up a couple of inches.
If you are hiking in the hills, the top of the stick probably needs to come up near to the top of your shoulder, which means you should grip the stick between 2" to 4" below the top of your shoulder. Having a longer stick should help when hiking, especially when you are descending.
How serious is the adventure? Remember a natural hiking stick is better that most aluminum hiking sticks in my opinion. Why?
A) Its Natural .. when you think of it.. it is kind of an oxymoron using a aluminum stick that hurts the environment when disposing of it. When Natural at leased you can burn it. Use it as a stick for your garden plants. The wood can be made into many things, like pens. (If you have a lathe) these are just a few examples.
B) Very strong, and can handle being either the center piece or cross piece for a lean-to if your caught in bad weather. If you remember in the Olympics one of Canada’s athletes aluminum ski poles just could not handle it and broke under the pressure.
C) Can be used as a spear / weapon. As long as you brought your knife.
D) Can be used as a splint for your arm or leg if you get hurt out on your adventure.

Check out Hiking canes at canescanada.com for more information on cane sizing and other helpful information

Based on our experience the following chart shows suggested lengths of staffs corresponding to individual’s heights. These are only suggestions remember, it depends on how you feel.
· 41" - child up to 4'6"
· 48" - 4'6" to 5'4"
· 55" - 5'4" to 5'11"
· 58" - above 5'11"
As always, Remember to “Hike with a Smile, and Hike with Style with CanesCanada.com®”

Wood working tools

Over the past couple months I have purchased a few tools on EBay. They were inexpensive but they work well.

However, does anybody else buy from email carving tools and can they recommend which ones they see on a regular basis are good verses just plain junk? I'm looking for some more tools that will keep a good edge and has handles that are comfortable while working on a project. I need some detail tools for non-turning work.

No I'm not looking for the best of the best tools that cost a small fortune to acquire. I'm looking for a good set for a hobbyist to use on various projects such as carving wood spirits and other things. I have tools I use to carve areas to inlay metal bands, polished stones (cabachons), compasses and tools for based wood carving needs. What I'm looking for are brands of hihger quality ones that I might see on EBay from time to time.


Please let me know.

Driftwood stick found - what to do with it?

Just collected another stick at the beach two weeks ago. It was drift wood. I cleaned out the dead wood to open a space on the top of the stick. I will need to treat for wood worms before I do more work on it. It's looks like it will become either a short walking stick, wizard stick or just a decorative. I will post an image when I finish working with it. Its well weathered and has the typical silver/gray color of cedar that has aged in the sun. Making hiking stick is a great hobby and well worth your time. Please add you comments and if you have a favorite stick, hiking location, vaction spot - please add a post.

P.S. : I'm going to Colorado in a couple weeks (Rockies and Steamboat). Anyone know of any good hiking trails in the Esta Parks area? What about fishing around Steamboat Springs.