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