Walking Stick

[Woodbutcher]

Best walking stick I've ever used is the one I've got now. It's Sumac. Light weight, straight, big at the top and small at the bottom so it works well. Common enough to find just the right size, and strong enough to use as a handle to drag a deer.
 My son got this for me. Since he wasn't sophisticated enough to select some more desirable wood, he simply chose something that was straight and peeled it. Funny thing was that I used it for almost a year before we figured out what it was.
 There are a few more drying in the basement. I ain't out much in time or money.                                        Woodbutcher

[Graybeard]

I've made them and used them made from a whole buncha stuff but never sumac. Bamboo is excellent. Light weight and very strong. Privet hedge is relatively light when peeled and dried and very strong and tough as nails. Hickory is not bad and dogwood is amazingly good. Sweetgum is not bad either once dried if you can find the right size. Cherry is good but kinda strong smelling.

I like mine about 6' long and the last few I've started trying to pull the sapling from the ground to save the knot at the rootball. Makes a nice looking stick with a knot in case I want to bang someone or something over the head.  

[Woodbutcher]

Dear Graybeard:
 Truth is, most times I looked for a dead branch when I entered the woods. Still do, mostly because the opportunity happens without any planning. I prop the thing up near where I park the truck when I'm done, so I can use it next time. Usually find it when I return.
 Pretty comfortable to have on a little hike, and certainly makes for steadier shootin.
 Most of the ones that I've...improved on.. have been chosen because they just caught my eye, with no regard for species. A little cord and varnish, some construction adhesive and tubing for the tip,
first class all the way.
 Bamboo? Yup!!  One of these days I'll find hunk of Boo that looks right. Hickory, Maple, Locust, all good stuff, all sensible choices. But Sumac! I never would have considered it. I guess that I'm really surprised at how well it worked.                     Woodbutcher

[pinduck]

I have one a friend gave me that he said was "Quilted Willow" .I think that he brought it back from a trip to Alaska. Don't know if that is the correct name or not, the wood does have a quilted or checkerboard pattern to it, it is extremely light and very strong. Its great for steadying a pistol while hunting and just everyday use. I keep it in the truck so is always handy.
Glen

[gino]

For urban walkabout I use an Irish blackthorn walking stick. My hiking staff is a rattan stick with a paracord wrap & a tee-nut in the end to take a spike for snow/ice. I ordered a 6' rattan lahti from Cold Steel & cut it off at eye level. Works for me.
gino  :grin:

[pastorp]

pinduck, The natives in Alaska call it diamond willow. It is popular among them to make canes and walking sticks from this wood. Regards, Byron

[pinduck]

Thanks Byron appreciate the info.
Glen