[AlArchie]

Last spring my brother in law spotted a couple small maples that he thought I could use for canes or walking sticks, so I cut them off at the root and put them away to dry. Looked like they were ready yesterday so I started in on one that will be a cane. These two were pretty much alike when I started the first one. Have about 4 or 5 hours shaping and defining the handle on this one. It hasn't decided what to be or where to go yet, but I'm seeing some great grain, figure (birdseye, knots and maybe flame) and contrast with bark in it up to now. Also there should be a mouse sticking his head out of that knot hole.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

Al

[Lightningbolt]

I love those unique pieces of wood that you have to figure out along the way because they are so unusual. The one with the smooth handle looks something like a cowboy boot on the handle but then you have that big natural hole on the other side of the crook which looks like the barrel of Marshall Dillon's side piece. Not sure how that one can be worked out but at least it's a little food for thought.

As for the shaft you have a lot of nice little protrusions of wood lumbs that ought to be a lot of fun to work into your chosen theme. Maybe the smoothest looking knot right under the hole on the handle could be some kind of face with a big nose. Is there a famous old west outlaw or lawman with a big nose?

Interesting sticks. Just don't let them sit around for a couple of years while you're thinking!

[AlArchie]

Paladin; Richard Boone, western star of the old Have Gun, Will Travel series had a big nose and a fast gun!

Or James Arness of Gunsmoke was no shrinking daisy when it came to noses, either.

I'll keep that in mind, Dave. It doesn't really show in the photo, but that "smooth" handle is absolutely full of birdseye, flame and some small knot figure. I'd almost hate to work a carving into that as it might spoil the grain, but down the shaft has plenty of room for some type of carving.

[Eddy Smiles]

What an oppourtunity! Pieces like that don't come along very often. I'm looking forward to see what you do with them.

[Joy]

What a great piece. I like the mouse idea. I don't think the stick needs any carving. It is wonderful.....as is. I would just clean off the bark and let the wonderful wood tell it's own story.

[stickman]

they were wonderful finds and you are off to a great start!

can't wait to see your progress

[Hugh P.]

I saw the word out standing, and I agree, inspirational, great sticks. Never thought of using the root system for the top. Can't wait to see what you do with them, Keep the photos coming, grin.

[bbeery]

I agree Al, All sticks don't need (or should have) carvings. Just a nice finish and maybe a compass or clock would finish off nicely. I still am looking at the maple stick you gave me several years ago. Like, I guess, your still looking at that Cypress Knee. Keep us posted.

[AlArchie]

Bill, I just mentioned to Karen yesterday that I should get that cypress knee from the barn and start working on it. We must think along the same lines, because I was also thinking of a compass in the stick. I have a couple Tru-Nord brass ones (one eastern and one western declination) that will fit nicely in either the end, stock just below the handle or maybe even in that knot hole with just a little work.

Looking that over again earlier today, I think I'll finish the handle crook with just a nice stain to bring out the figure and try to work up some motif for the lower portion.

I'll post as things develop, but as before, I am SLO-O-O-W so this won't be forthcoming any time in the immediate future. At least a couple weeks, probably more. Too many other projects in the works.

Al