Self collecting walking stick making wood

Once you select the wood you want to harvest fro your walking sick making project be careful to prevent damage to you and your future walking stick.

       How to cut: First remove any branches on sticking out from the limb you plan to harvest to make your walking stick. Start with the small branches and then tackle the larger ones. Support (hold) the branches you are cutting off to prevent splinting of the main limb. Use your saw blade to slow cut the branches. Do not rush through the branches which may cause damage to the area you plan to use for a walking stick or staff making.

       Once all the branches are removed, measure how much of the limb you need and mark it with your knife. If the walking stick project sapling or branch is large you may get two sticks out of it or use the thinner parts for a different project.

       Now, hold the limb you are harvesting above and away from the cut mark firmly. Use your saw blade to start a cut straight across it - do not cut all the way through. Now, score all around the trunk (cut through the bark).  
Flamboyant Tree Limb with a cut all around the limb.
  
          Once you score the complete trunk then continue to cut through the limb. You score the limb first to prevent bark/wood ripping. The straighter you cut across the less likely the wood will splinter. When selecting the wood for your walking stick making project make sure it the right type. Not all wood is good for a quality hand made walking stick or staff. Use the how to make unique walking stick guides for reference when collecting your wood.

         Always cut away from your body!  Remember you are in the woods and a deep cut could be costly!