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Serpentine Walking Stick

01/24/2010 14:41:00 David Stehly
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Staff and realistic snake are carved from a single piece of wood

Many carvers approach this type of project using a vine wrapped branch or twisted root, but I sculpt the snake from an ordinary log. This allows the shape and contour of the snake to be planned, instead of dictated by the twists of the wood, for maximum realism.

This walking stick features a colorful corn snake, also called a red rat snake. The corn snake ranges from New Jersey south to Florida and as far west as Louisiana and Kentucky. It is a favorite pet because of its color and gentle disposition. The distinct markings make it easy to achieve a realistic-looking snake.

Stickmaking: A Complete Course

This an essential book for anyone making walking sticks, it includes sourcing and seasoning wood, adapting material, shaping handles, fitting collars, decorating, & finishing. Showing you how to make waling sticks from start to finish. Available at www.Foxchapelpublishing.com
Image gallery
"Kings," 42", Douglas fir. 15 faces representing the 15 kings of the Old Testement between First Samuel and First Kings. "Water Moccasin VII," 38", yellow tulip poplar. "Cane Brake Rattlesnake I," 39 3/4", tulip poplar. "Copperhead VII," 41", tulip poplar. "Timber rattlesnake XIX," 40 1/4", tulip poplar. "Eastern Diamondback XVI," 51 3/4", tulip poplar. "Western Diamondback VIII," 42 3/4", tulip poplar. "Mexican King Snake eating a Texas Striped Geko," 46 3/4", yellow poplar. "Black Rat Snake III," 41 1/2", tulip poplar. "Corn Snake Eating a Deer Mouse XVII," 41 1/2", yellow poplar. "Milk Snake XII," 37", wild cherry. "Milk Snake XII," 37", wild cherry. "Black Rat Snake III," 41 1/2", tulip poplar. Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of Water Moccasin VII. Detail shot of Water Moccasin VII. Detail shot of Water Moccasin VII. Detail shot of Detail shot of Detail shot of
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Comments (6 posted):

Robert Cahill on 05/08/2008 12:26:37
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Thanks Bob I really enjoyed going there
thewhitt'ler on 03/12/2010 16:07:41
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Hey fellow bladesmen. I'm looking to get into custom cane/walking stick carving. I want to work with top line, exotic woods, which I presently carve for gun handles, necklaces, etc. I can't seem to find a good source for blanks. Any idea's?
mthompson179 on 07/24/2010 22:10:09
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Try these few sites. I usually use recovered woods for my walking sticks and work with what nature made but for a few special orders and when I want really nice inlay ect. I can usually find what I want at one of these sites. Exotic Lumber Inc. - Exotic Woods Exotic Wood Group: Distinctive Exotic Woods for Turning & Carving Exotic Wood, Birdseye Maple, Curly Maple & Tiger Maple | Bell Forest Products Exotic Hardwood Lumber and Woodworkers Supplies | WoodworkersSource.com Griffin Exotic Wood--the high quality exotic wood source! Let me know if this helps. :)
jimmy joe on 07/25/2010 10:05:27
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Thanks for bringing it to my attention . I hadn't seen them . Fantastic ! I will spend more time on them later . I just noticed these post are from 08 . Oh well , they are still great .
tigerrep on 01/31/2012 04:35:38
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Does any one know a diffrent site for the snake canes that website is down. Thank you for your time
mpounders on 01/31/2012 11:18:27
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Here is David's website Walking Sticks and Canes by David N. Stehly
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David Stehly