Making walking stick or hiking stick rope handle cord

     Para cord is a very useful survival tool. When making a hiking stick  think about it as a complete survival tool by adding special finishes that includes giving your wood walking stick more versatility.  Many people think about inserting a compass on top of the walk sticks or drill a hole for fishing lines/matches. Others make walking sticks with rope weaves to give better grip hand in water and for emergency rope usage. The walking stick making guides gives you all that plus more. One section includes complete details on using para cord to create hand non-slip holds or ropes on your walking stick.

    The walking stick guides use para cord which comes in a large array of colors and strengths. We use the para cord 440 because of it durability and strength.  The above image is on way to weave a pattern using the para cord on your wood hiking stick making project. The cord is 100% removable for emergency usage and while its on the wood walking stick it provides great hand gripping power.   when wood gets wet it tends to be slippery so with the cord around the wood it serves a duo purpose: grip and emergency cordage .

  The walking stick guides walks you through making these weaves and others in an easy step by step method. Plus, it has a section creating cord or nylon handles and much more.  

Carving how to make a wood hiking stick

Carving is a whole different hobby into itself. You can spend years and years perfecting your carving skills. The walking stick making guides will get you started with simple designs and progress to wood spirits. Do not expect your first few projects to look as great as the ones you see on book covers.

        The above image is a basic elk carving using an existing branch on the end of the walking stick as the antlers. 

        The how to make walking stick guides will review the tools needed, basic usage of the tools and recommendations. Plus, it shows how to do two simple carvings (relief carvings) before you tackle harder projects.  Please be patient with yourself. Wood carving is a true art form. Do not move to the Eagle or Wood Spirit carving areas unless you have completed a few basic carvings projects.

    Safety is a major concern when doing carving projects. Read all safety precautions and labels from the manufacturer of your tools. Always wear safety protection for your body parts. Do not assume that your will not be cut – assume you will and use the needed protection to prevent serious injuries. Please note you agree by using this blog or the guides not to hold my company, staff, associates and me liable in any manner for any damages, injuries or other accidents that may happen as the result of these guides or any other advice given whether in the guides, in the blog, by email or in writing whatsoever. 

How to create a fall leaf walking stick making project

   Now is the time to start working on the wood collected last fall for your walking stick making project. If you did not strip the bark off the hiking stick at the time when you collected it,  you will find its much harder now.  It is always best to strip the bark off at time of collecting when the wood is still moist. One great project that we are giving away as a bonus with the walking stick making guides is a fall leaf design project that combines may of the techniques in  the stick making projects in the guides.

     The image to the right is a partially complete fall leaf project. The copper wire is being added to give the stick more character.    The copper wire is anchored into the hiking stick by drilling a small hole and inserting the wire into it with a small amount of epoxy on the wire tip to help it hold.

     The next step will be a hand woven hand old area with a strap cord. We use para-cord for all handles because it is durable plus in an emergency you can unwind it and use for many survival uses.

      Just before I was ready to put the clear shellac on it uses a wood burner to write the type of wood and were collected with date towards the bottom of the hiking stick. Making your own hiking sticks and walking sticks is a great way to bring back memories of favorite trips.

     The last step is to put the finished waterproof coat of shellac or similar finish of your choice. When this walking stick making project was finished I added a small compass on the top of the stick.

  


  

    

walking and hiking stick making insert design ideas

    Making a walking stick is a great hobby. There are may things you can do to a walking stick  to make the staff more useful and decorative.  Many people want to insert compartments into the top of the walking stick such as a compass, emergency tools, etc. It's not a very difficult addition but you need to start with the right walking stick wood.  First you need a stick that is straight for the complete top portion of the compartment you plant to add. Adding compartments to a wood hiking stick works best with sticks towards the thick side (2" to 2.5") across the top.

    Also, select light wood weight for your hiking stick project because each thing you add to you hiking stick making project make the stick less usable on long hikes due to excessive weight.  the preferred wood I use for these type of hiking stick making projects are aspen, fir or pine (in the order presented).  Yes you can use hard woods however due to their weight you may want to make a smaller compartment and switch to one that is 1.5" thick  (3/4" compartment). 

    When you make your hiking stick compartment make sure you leave 1/4" around the edges. If the walking stick is 2" then you use a 1" to 1.25" drill to make the hole.  The walking stick guides has instructions on how to add items to the tip of the walking stick.  Make sure you drill straight down. Do it slow to avoid costly mistakes. Before you make your hole determine what you want to insert into the compartment and also what you plant to use as a cap to the walking stick. Making a hole too big for the cap material (rock, piece of metal, door knob handle etc.  -see the walking stick making guides).