How to select a walking stick

How to select a stick from my range of over 250 sticks can be a daunting challenge.  So, I list hereunder some of the things you might like to consider before making your decision.

1. Wood Type

Different woods have their own distinctive characteristics. They include: –

• Colour – natural, light, Dark or black
• Bark – retained, partly shaved or completely removed

Apart from displaying a separate photograph for every one of my sticks, I also give a brief description of each type of wood under ‘Wood Species’.  You may also find the descriptions on the following links helpful: –

• Alder https://treegrowing.tcv.org.uk/identify/alder
• Ash https://treegrowing.tcv.org.uk/identify/ash
• Birch “Birch” – How To Grow Trees (tcv.org.uk)
• Blackthorn Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) | How To Identify | A Guide From TCV
• Elder Elder (Sambucus nigra) | How to Identify Elder | A Guide from TCV
• Hazel https://treegrowing.tcv.org.uk/identify/hazel
• Hawthorn https://treegrowing.tcv.org.uk/identify/hawthorn
• Holly https://treegrowing.tcv.org.uk/identify/holly
• Privet https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Privet
• Rhododendron Rhododendron – Wikipedia
• Ivy https://www.britannica.com/plant/ivy-plant
• Gorse https://treegrowing.tcv.org.uk/identify/gorse

2. Handle

Under ‘Handles’ in ‘Glossary’ I display many types of handles which are available on two piece sticks.  With my sticks such choice is not available… all of my sticks are one piece. The handle is largely what nature has provided but sanded and shaped to give a comfortable grip.  I strongly recommend, therefore, that you examine carefully the photograph of any stick you decide to purchase.

3. Thickness/Weight

Just as in deciding on a wood species, so too is the the thickness/width of your walking stick a matter of personal choice.  Some people will prefer the light/thin stick while others will want a strong sturdy stick with a little more weight. 

4. Length

When the handle reaches the wrist bone, the walking stick is at the recommended length. Personally, I feel that this method results in the stick being a small bit short. I like to add an inch to the length arrived at through using this formula.

A simpler method (and just as good) is the ‘rule of thumb’ half of the user’s height, e.g. a 36″ stick is ideal for a person 6′ 00″ tall.

If the stick that you have decided to purchase  is longer than you require, you can have it shortened to the appropriate length.   Any such customized stick may not be returned.

5. General

The information above should be regarded as a general guide and should not be taken as infallible.  For those people with mobility or other health issues it is essential to seek advice from an appropriate medical professional.  I produce walking sticks for leisure use only and should not be regarded as medical aids.

My walking sticks can be shortened but I am do not offer a service of adding extra length as the joint invariably becomes unstable with use. I do not accept responsibility for wrong measurements provided by the customer. Walking sticks that have been cut at a customer’s request (re-sized) can not returned.

I hope the information here is a help with how to select a walking stick to suit you.