Yesterday my son Matthew and I were out for a walk and we cut some hazel to make a walking stick as He wanted a stick like dads.So after a little bit of trimming with a sharp knife he has a good stick for pushing thorny branches out of the way, and a bit more purchase over rough ground when we go out for a forage.I started making walking sticks many years ago after my Father had a hip replacement and he needed a good strong stick.Since then Ive made many shepherds crooks and thumb sticks.Hazel is a good wood to use you can straighten it gently over your knee .Ash and Sweet chestnut are good to but Hazel is my favorite it shines like old metal when you coat it with linseed oil.Here's a couple before then after:)Brian(:
