How to Dry a Walking Stick

Hikers use walking sticks to gain additional stability while hiking challenging terrains, clear obstacles from their path and use as defense against wildlife. Walking sticks are typically carved from sturdy wood, such as maple, aspen, cherry or poplar. Ideally, walking sticks are between 1-1/2 and 2 inches thick. The length varies, depending on the height of the user. Prior to carving a walking stick, it should be thoroughly dry. Proper drying can greatly improve the finished look of your walking stick.

Things You'll Need

  • Drawknife
  • Wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Whittle the bark off the stick using small and gentle strokes of the drawknife. Remove the bark as soon as possible since wet bark is easier to remove than dried bark. Professional arborist and landscaper Mario Vaden recommends removing bark during the spring months when it is more likely to peel off the stick easily. Walking sticks are traditionally hand carved from sticks.

    • 2

      Dip the ends of your walking stick in wax. This process slows the escape of moisture from the stick, helping to prevent cracks. It also allows the stick to dry more evenly.

    • 3

      Lay the stick flat in a room where the temperature is kept between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A garage, basement or workshop is typically an ideal location.

    • 4

      Allow the stick to dry completely. This process can take anywhere from six weeks to more than a year. You can help this process along by positioning a fan on the stick for one to two hours each day for the first one to two weeks of drying.