Stickmaking

Stickmaking is the craft of creating walking sticks, canes, and staffs from natural materials, typically wood. It involves selecting suitable branches or roots, often from specific tree species known for their strength and aesthetic qualities, such as hazel, ash, hawthorn, or blackthorn. The process begins with harvesting the material, which can be done in different ways. Some stickmakers prefer to use seasoned wood, allowing it to dry for an extended period to prevent warping and cracking. Others work with green wood, shaping it while it is still pliable, and then allowing it to dry slowly.

Once the wood is prepared, the stickmaker uses various tools to shape it into the desired form. This can involve stripping bark, carving decorative elements, bending the wood using heat or steam, and creating a comfortable handle. Handles can be natural formations of the wood, or they can be carved and shaped by hand. Finishing touches often include sanding the wood smooth, applying oil or wax to protect it and enhance its natural beauty, and sometimes adding accessories like ferrules (metal tips) or decorative bindings. The final product is a functional object with a unique character, reflecting both the natural qualities of the wood and the skill of the maker.