Basic how to make hiking walking sticks and canes

Basic wood carving and tools

Many experience woodcarvers work with almost any wood beginners should start with softer woods such as basswood, balsa, aspen and pine. Don’t start with hard woods such as walnut, cherry, mahogany and oak until you have a few detailed projects completed.  When selecting wood consider the grain of the wood and the direction of the grain which adds appeal to projects.

Carving Instruments

You can spend thousands of dollars on wood carving tools to make on hiking stick . However to start out a few basic stick carving tool will handle beginning to moderate experienced stick carving workers. The primary tools consist of very sharp knives of various sizes and metal angles. Many people use utility types knives and they never go beyond these tools. They consist of a couple handle that hold very sharp thin disposable blades.  

Project Ideas

     Beginner wood carving walking sticks consist of geometric designs on wood. Then as you gain experience in how wood works progress to simple eagle heads and then wood spirits. Do not go directly to wood spirits.  Try a few simple designs an extra wood before attempting more detailed your walking sticks projects to prevent mistakes that can destroy a good hiking staff. Remember to start simple.

Preserving the Finished Project

Preserving your walking stick is as simple as rubbing on some stain onto the wood and then coating with shellac. We recommend at least three coats of shellac on your walking stick project.