Average length of walking sticks???

[Boydman]

Hey Folks,

I just got mail from Simon and found out that his walking sticks were only 37" long....just curious if there is an avg length for these sticks. I have used the diamond willow for mountain sheep hunts...5-6' sticks mostly and the straighter the better. Shipping is the big issue from here in Alaska....so, that's why I am more interested in just making handles for two piece sticks. Would appreciate what you guys think and make. We have pretty much an unlimited supply of different willows and lengths up here. Thanks,

Greg

[Marvin Little]

Greg, a walking stick need to be tall enough to strike the user on the wrist bone. I try to make most of mine 37" or taller. You can always cut off the bottom end. A tall person needs one over 37". I try to make most of my hiking sticks about 60" tall. Some people like them shorter and they too can be cut off.

Marvin

[Robson Valley]

There is a diamond willow furniture shop a block down the street. He had just brought 200 sticks into the shop (harvested 2009) for the next batch of hiking sticks and canes (after he finishes a queen size bed frame with astounding diamond figure.)
For presents, I took my kids over there to be fitted for custom hiking sticks. They got to "cherry pick" the stock pile for the stick they each liked best. Maybe 84" long after the dry checked ends were trimmed.
Once they had selected their stick, they were asked to turn it upside down (root end down)
and the length would be about 8" or more over where they had a comfortable grip. The issue was going downhill in steep, wet, rocky, mountain terrain, which is all we have here. Going up was of no concern.

[Boydman]

Sounds like hiking staff requirements are the same for B.C. as they are here....I could ditto your comments for mountain work.

[SimonLawton]

Hi, yes my own personal 'Rabbit Slapper' which I use is only 36 inches long, Someone told me a walking stick should reach the middle wrinkle of your wrist when stood at ease!
Obviously Hiking/Thumbsticks are longer and all sticks cut to suit!
I managed to Harvest a few Twisties again today, Hazel & Ash, and found a natural L bend Stick which is a near perfect Angle! I have loads to get sorted in this new home, still unpacking etc, but am itching to get my little Workshop operational!
Oh and the Twisties I cut varied from 40 inches to HUGE! I will make two sticks from one!
Happy New Year
Simon

[Boydman]

Well, it seems that this is truly a beginner question.....I was a bit confused with the difference between walking and hiking.....not sure about the "English translations".....Ha! I guess I could ask folks if they want a "rabbit slapper"....or a "moose poker"!

[Goody]

Originally Posted by Boydman

Well, it seems that this is truly a beginner question.....I was a bit confused with the difference between walking and hiking.....not sure about the "English translations".....Ha! I guess I could ask folks if they want a "rabbit slapper"....or a "moose poker"!

Just remember.
"Don't Poke A Bear With A Short Stick"
Goody

[BeaverDon]

I start with 60" and trim it down for ladies, young hikers or canes.

[Robson Valley]

For many of you, your horizon is the curve of the earth, many miles away. I have maybe 1.5 miles to the east and 3 miles to the west then 5000 - 8000' up. Less than 3% of BC is flat.

I liked the part where Al offered them several finishes. Then several tip types. Then the thumb notches. Then the wrist thong. I must admit, they picked out some very pretty wood.

[Marvin Little]

Greg, I guess some of us confuse people when we us the term cane and walking stick to describe the same item. Hiking sticks, in my area, are chest to shoulder heighth.

Marvin