How to Make a Hickory Walking Stick

Wander out in the woods and pick up a stick and you pretty much have a walking stick. However, if you want to make a walking stick that will last and give you a custom fit and feel, put a little more effort into it. In addition to the extra effort, using a hard and flexible wood such as hickory ensures longevity to your custom walking cane.

Things You'll Need

  • Small hand saw
  • Wood shaver
  • Clear spray on shellac or lacquer
  • Power drill
  • Leather lace
  • Walking stick metal tip (found at outdoor outfitters)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Go out for a walk in the late spring and locate a hickory tree. Use the small handsaw to cut a length of hickory branch in the length you desire for a walking stick. The trick is to get it when it is still fresh and green in the spring.

    • 2

      Shave off the bark in long strips from the cut branch. Cure the peeled branch for up to two weeks leaving it outside in the elements and rain.

    • 3

      Apply a coating of the clear shellac or lacquer after curing the stick. This gives it a sheen and luster, and it prevents water from penetrating the xylem tissues of the tree.

    • 4

      Screw in a carbide or other hard hiking tip to the base of the hickory stick. This is an optional step because you can use a tip if you need it for extra grip.

    • 5

      Drill a hole in the top of the hickory walking stick and thread a long leather lace into it. Tie the lace so it makes a closed loop and gives you a strap to prevent it from falling when walking.