[Marci MN]

First off, thank you Bob for this lil corner of forum for stick/cane/staff makers.

I wanted to tell you about a Proud Moment I had the other day watching a show on TV. It was on RFDTV, and about a group of folks who use horses for therapy for disabled.

There was this gal who is a soldier and lost both her legs. They showed her on this horse and told about how the horses gait helps those get their gait and strength back for using prosthetics. I think I spelt that right. I cannot think of the name of the group, but William Shatner was on this show talking about how he and his wife support this group and are part of it themselves.

Anyway, she was sitting in a chair talking about how the horses have helped her and right next to her was a walking stick with an eagle head on it. I recognized it right away. It made me proud knowing it was most likely a stick made from one of the carvers in here, one who gave his/her time to make that stick to give to the soldiers. And it was beautiful.

And as an after thought and a question, if I cannot carve an Eagle head (they turn out like pidgeons) can I still carve sticks to give for the same cause? And where would I find information on that?

Marcia.

[Ron T]

Marcia,

What a heartfelt story and one worth christening the "Stick and cane carving" forum. Perfect for a first thread.

Ron T.

[Wolfdog]

Great story. I am glad that the troops have the support they have.

[Jim-Iowa]

Marci: While Eagles are a patriotic symbol it certainly is not the only one.
There is no reason one could not use others, if the Eagle is difficult.
Even something as simple as the Liberty Bell as a topper should be apropriate.
While not a Veteran myself (could not pass the physical) many of my friends and family are. I have never met a Military person that was not proud of the unit they served with. Unit insignias, i'm sure would be apropriate if you knew the unit the veteran served in who would be the recipient.
I've had family in the 101st & 82nd ABORNE UNITS. My Father in law was proud of being one of the "Chrome Chronics of Trieste" during Korea.
My brother served on a battleship and one could be cut in relief much as one would carve a spirit in a stick. A Friend Eldon Beauchamp(no longer with us served in the Big Red 1 unit during WWII(Heck they made a movie about that unit). Another friend flew helicopters for two tours of Nam, I can't imagine anything he would apreciate more than a cane with a gunship on it?
Calvary units, how about a stylized horse with a gear to symbolize mechanized infantry(or Tank or Armoured Personel Carrier)?
I think a little imagination will open doors if you think about it.
And be greatly apreciated!

[Sharon of the Dell]

Marci, I think any type of cane you would carve would be greatly appreciated. My husband (Navy, Viet Nam Vet) goes to the VA hospital in Frisco a couple times a year, we see all kinds of canes being used. I'm sure a veteran would be proud and very thankful that someone took the time to make something for them no matter what is on it. My uncle served in Korea. He was shot rescuing a wounded buddy. What would be a good strong wood to make a cane or stick for him? He's having a hard time getting around now and uses a walker. He's a fairly large fellow. I have access to cypress and redwood limbs. Do you stick makers think these would be strong enough or should I use hardwood? It would be awful to have it snap on him and fall down.Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[Ron T]

Hi Sharon,

I agree, any kind of cane hand carved shows the recipient they are appreciated enough for someone to take the time to make something special for them.

If your uncle is using a walker, a cane may not provide sufficient support. I started making canes because Ihad to use one. However, my condition has caused me to be less steady on my feet. I use my cane more for balance so my cane can be thin. However, I am now utilizing my walker more since four legs on the ground is more stable. If he is able to use a cane, you need to determine how heavily he will lean on it before you make him one. And keep in mind, cypress or redwood will work, you just have to make the shaft thicker if he will lean on it with a lot of body weight.

[Sharon of the Dell]

Thanks Ron, I think he mainly uses the walker outside. He was walking inside without the walker so a cane would probably be just the ticket for him. Besides it would tickle him pink if someone made him one even if he didn't use it....Marcia, we used to get RFDTV on satellite, farm channel? miss it. it's not on cable. Had some good stuff on it. Would loved to have seen that show.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Here is a club, if not the club to start with the eagle head canes...its a good site and has some excellent patterns for eagles head canes......

Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarvers Association

I just looked at the site again myself, I see they now have a duplicator to turn out the heads...great idea...wish I had one!