Teddy Roosevelt's saying was to walk softly and carry a big stick. You want your stick to be sturdy and comfortable.
Choosing a stick becomes a challenge when you see the hundreds of sticks available on the internet. Will this stick be a gift for a friend and loved one, or for you?
If you find a stick to order, please be aware of some very important details. The height of the stick is determined by measuring from the ground to the crease in your elbow and adding 6 inches to that measurement. The stick does not have to be completely straight. There are differing opinions, but the rustic look is cool. You want the stick to have character.Next tip,buy one that is wooden, unless of course you are looking for trekking pole or poles.
Sticks that can be personalized with dates, names, places that you have walked or hiked make that stick a treasure. You need something that can be inscribed with a woodburning pen.
The grip of the stick should be placed about where you would grasp a ski pole. The grip is very important and there should be plenty of grip for your hand to grasp. A leather strap should be centered above the grip to place the hand through, so if you lose your balance the stick remains with you, especially in mountain terrain.
Some sticks come with a rubber tip on the bottom of the stick or may have a pointed tip for climbing purposes or for ice.
Walking sticks or hiking sticks that have things carved into the wood or have something attached to the top of the stick, really make the stick unique and attractive, especially if you have requested something special from the carver who made the stick for you.
Walking sticks are very beneficial when hiking or walking.Sticks function as extra legs on slopes and inclines. They reduce stress,fractures and sprains. Posture and balance is really improved and the stress on the knees and lower back experience less strain. Also if you are confronted by a critter, you have some protection.
Dick Bryant is a retired science teacher and high school principal who began carving sticks for his teachers and friends while living in the mountains of Colorado. When he retired he started his stick business working out of his garage. Sticks are personalized for his customers with inscriptions and whatever else they desire to have included with a stick. Please visit: http.//coloradowalkingsticks.com
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
As a retired principal Dick began carving sticks for his teachers and friends as a hobby. Living in the mountains provided plenty of dead Aspen.This changed from a hobby to a business.
The sticks are carved from Aspen which is dry and either found standing or on the ground. You may use hardwood for your stick or softer wood such as Aspen, depending on where you live. Look for a stick that is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Cut the stick about 52 to 53 inches long. Stand on level ground and measure to the crease in your elbow and add 6 inches. This may or may not be 53 inches, but this is the proper height for a stick.
The stick should be relatively free of deep cracks. If you cut something that is not dead, you will have to let it dry or age. The stick should be comfortable for you to use. You need a grip in the stick which is a must. Hold the stick as you would a ski pole to properly place the grip.
Use a power tool or knife to cut the grip into the stick. Drill a hole above the grip and sand the stick using 80 grit, 120 grit and finish sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. When the stick feels smooth to the touch, use a sanding sealer to seal the whole stick.
When the sealer is dry, sand it and apply two coats of a fast drying polyurethane. These products are easy to find in the hardware store. Purchase a piece of leather strap to go through the hole and you are now ready to use the stick, unless you wish to have a rubber tip on the bottom of the stick. If so, you can find these in the hardware store to fit the diameter of your stick.
One last touch, is to burn dates and places into your stick that you have hiked, climbed or treked, as this gives the stick a real touch of character. This is much better than a steel trekking pole. Have fun hiking as it is good for the soul.
Dick Bryant was a science teacher and school principal spanning 38 years. Retirement produced a new career carving and selling walking sticks. His son developed a web site and the internet has produced a nice business. The walking sticks are created in many designs, heights, color and artistic form. Customers may order what is featured on the web site or request something special. You request it,he can carve it. Sticks are carved and given to charitable organizations as fund raisers to support their cause. Please visit: http://www.coloradowalkingsticks.com
The sticks are carved from Aspen which is dry and either found standing or on the ground. You may use hardwood for your stick or softer wood such as Aspen, depending on where you live. Look for a stick that is about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Cut the stick about 52 to 53 inches long. Stand on level ground and measure to the crease in your elbow and add 6 inches. This may or may not be 53 inches, but this is the proper height for a stick.
The stick should be relatively free of deep cracks. If you cut something that is not dead, you will have to let it dry or age. The stick should be comfortable for you to use. You need a grip in the stick which is a must. Hold the stick as you would a ski pole to properly place the grip.
Use a power tool or knife to cut the grip into the stick. Drill a hole above the grip and sand the stick using 80 grit, 120 grit and finish sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. When the stick feels smooth to the touch, use a sanding sealer to seal the whole stick.
When the sealer is dry, sand it and apply two coats of a fast drying polyurethane. These products are easy to find in the hardware store. Purchase a piece of leather strap to go through the hole and you are now ready to use the stick, unless you wish to have a rubber tip on the bottom of the stick. If so, you can find these in the hardware store to fit the diameter of your stick.
One last touch, is to burn dates and places into your stick that you have hiked, climbed or treked, as this gives the stick a real touch of character. This is much better than a steel trekking pole. Have fun hiking as it is good for the soul.
Dick Bryant was a science teacher and school principal spanning 38 years. Retirement produced a new career carving and selling walking sticks. His son developed a web site and the internet has produced a nice business. The walking sticks are created in many designs, heights, color and artistic form. Customers may order what is featured on the web site or request something special. You request it,he can carve it. Sticks are carved and given to charitable organizations as fund raisers to support their cause. Please visit: http://www.coloradowalkingsticks.com
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