First carved cane

[Old Trapper]

This my first carved cane, done some carvings in bark etc., used poplar and Brazilian rosewood for the spacer. I usually do antler for all my canes , so decided to try my hand carving, used no pattern, and bandsawed out of a simple blank piece of poplar, and it is what it is. Finished with a minwax stain of driftwood , and minwax paste wax finish. This puppy is real light weight, kinda like the feel of the handle. Been buffing with an old tee shirt sleeve, just like in my old Navy days, spit shining my shoes.Any pros or cons welcome!!
Thanks Tom/Old Trapper

[Waitpinga Whittler]

G'day Tom.
Not a bad effort for a first go. Carving into the end grain like that wouldn't have made the job any easier. All things considered not bad at all.

If you want a bit of constructive comment... next time spend a bit more time with a file rounding down the corners on the handle of your cane to get it to more of a cylinder shape. Also, your face carving will have more depth to it if you start by angling the two facial planes more. These are the two broad planes of the face that meet vertically at the nose or centre line. This will give your finished nose a lot more projection and put the eyes and cheeks further back on the face behind the nose, more like real life. (hope this makes sence...if not tell me and I'll try more detail).

Your use of a spacer is great. The contrasting colour of the wood makes it a real feature.

[idigjars]

I am working on a cane/walking stick but have never completed one yet so you are way ahead of me. I like your cane and thank you for sharing a pic with us. Paul

[Buffalo Bif]

No cons here, I think your carving shows style and like the finish too. Neat the way you made the hair blend back into the handle. Nice job. I do agree the end grain must have made it tough?

[Old Trapper]

Originally Posted by Waitpinga Whittler

G'day Tom.
Not a bad effort for a first go. Carving into the end grain like that wouldn't have made the job any easier. All things considered not bad at all.

If you want a bit of constructive comment... next time spend a bit more time with a file rounding down the corners on the handle of your cane to get it to more of a cylinder shape. Also, your face carving will have more depth to it if you start by angling the two facial planes more. These are the two broad planes of the face that meet vertically at the nose or centre line. This will give your finished nose a lot more projection and put the eyes and cheeks further back on the face behind the nose, more like real life. (hope this makes sence...if not tell me and I'll try more detail).

Your use of a spacer is great. The contrasting colour of the wood makes it a real feature.

Thanks for the comment, your right on the money with spending more time with a file, jeez I tried sanding it round with a bow sander, my right shoulder still hurts.I thank ya for the tutoring on the face part, I always have had trouble getting the nose out far enough. Will be working on another cane shortly, let me know if you see improvement. That carving on the end grain was a chore.
I have one of Tom Wolfe's cane books and he did a carving on the end grain of walnut, he says the grain should run down to the stick/cane for strength.
I will get working at it . Practice Practice make nicer!!
Thanks again Tom.

[Waitpinga Whittler]

Originally Posted by Old Trapper

I have one of Tom Wolfe's cane books and he did a carving on the end grain of walnut, he says the grain should run down to the stick/cane for strength.

Hi Tom
Not sure what the above means. The grain in the handle on your cane runs at 90 degrees to the grain in the shaft. This is as it should be for that style of handle. A knob style topper on the other hand, regardless of how it is carved, usually has the grain running parrallel to the grain of the shaft.

As for the comments....., happy if it helps! Always feel unsure about giving constructive feedback for fear of hurting feelings etc. but then I think about what I'd like to hear about my own work. If a guy has been there before me an knows how to help me make it better I want to know about it! I'm so greatful to a number of people, some on this forum, who thought enough of me to make suggestions that guided my efforts along lines that really helped me grow as a carver.

[Grayfox]

Hi Tom,
I like the style of the cane handle. Do you or anyone else see a resemblance to a Sphynx in the shape of the face and handle ? I find it a really intersting design.

[Old Trapper]

Originally Posted by Grayfox

Hi Tom,
I like the style of the cane handle. Do you or anyone else see a resemblance to a Sphynx in the shape of the face and handle ? I find it a really intersting design.

Now that you mention it Grayfox, I did see the resemblance when I first got about finished carving it.
Thanks for the reply,Tom.

[grdeno]

Hi Tom I have done several cane toppers and think yours is fine.everyone has a different style of carving not everyone likes all styles but as long as you like it then it is fine.keep up the good work. Seems the more I do the better they look so keep it up.great job.

[Old Trapper]

Originally Posted by Waitpinga Whittler

Hi Tom
Not sure what the above means. The grain in the handle on your cane runs at 90 degrees to the grain in the shaft. This is as it should be for that style of handle. A knob style topper on the other hand, regardless of how it is carved, usually has the grain running parrallel to the grain of the shaft.

As for the comments....., happy if it helps! Always feel unsure about giving constructive feedback for fear of hurting feelings etc. but then I think about what I'd like to hear about my own work. If a guy has been there before me an knows how to help me make it better I want to know about it! I'm so greatful to a number of people, some on this forum, who thought enough of me to make suggestions that guided my efforts along lines that really helped me grow as a carver.

No hurt feelings here, I want to know what it is that will help me improve my carving skill!!
At the moment I am working on an antler cane which I do normally, and will post pictures when complete. I find all my own antlers in Texas, and join 2 differant species together, and blend the joint, interesting stuff!!
Appreciate all constructive feedback!!
Thanks again Tom.