No longer is the simple walking stick the preserve of the elderly and infirm. A renaissance is taking place and once more the humble walking stick takes on the mantle of fashion accessory and must have item. So maybe now the time is right to reiterate the basics of taking care of your walking stick so it lasts a lifetime.
Getting the sizing right
Good stick care begins the day you purchase your stick. Wander in to any store selling walking sticks and you’ll find a range mostly the same sort of size (generally around 35 – 36 inches). Now step back and look at the people in the store, not an average size amongst them I’ll bet. So the first thing to do is get a stick that suits your size, this reduces the risk of doing yourself some damage by using a stick that is too long or short and uncomfortable to carry, and you also run the risk of reducing the life of the stick.
A suitable ferrule
For those with a quizzical expression, a ferrule is the generic name for the ‘thing’ you use to cover and protect the end of your walking stick. The best, and most suitable ferrule, for you will be determined by the intended use of your stick. A rubber ferrule is by far the most common seen out and about and provides the best safety for those relying on their sticks to offer a high degree of support and stability. These will provide the best (and safest) grip on concrete and stone but will, from time to time, need replacing as they do wear down.
A metal ferrule (be that brass or even silver) provides the best degree of protection for the stick itself but obviously when pressure is applied on a wet surface has a greater tendency to slip. In my humble opinion the metal ferrule is the hardest wearing and most attractive finish to a stick, but isn’t always the most practical.
For the rugged outdoors person, why not finish your walking stick with an alpine spike, perfect for garnering greater purchase on soft ground while rambling out in the countryside, but practically useless in the city.
Caring for your walking stick
A well made stick should require only the minimum of effort to remain at its best. Simple soap and water will refresh the look of your cane after a hard days work, while an occasional coat of linseed oil will not only restore the gleam of your stick, but will provide a little extra coat of protection for a stick that has been long in service.
Repairing your stick
If your stick should become damaged it isn’t always necessary to replace the whole stick. A skilled stickmaker can often rescue the handle of a favoured stick and attach a new shaft, giving a new lease of life to a long treasured stick that is well past its best.
By Phillip J. Morledge
P J Morledge has been a professional stickmaker for a number of years, producing original, handcrafted walking sticks. His site, http://www.deadwoodsticks.co.uk provides a wealth of information as well as many of his unique sticks for sale.
