Awesome OLD SCHOOL BOY SCOUT WALKING STAFF

Back in the day, a walking stave was a tool to help a person along their journey. This stave includes a hidden stash pocket, peep sites, utility hook, depth gauge, cordage... it can also double as a weapon for self defense.

[@georgeboyer8158]

When I was just a mere lad back in the mid-1950's, my Scoutmaster was a retired Army First Sargent. He wanted our walking sticks (his words) to be as close to the Boy Scout diagram as possible. There are minor differences between your stave and ours which is to be expected. The most notable was that we made a "stash bag" from leather that tied onto the stave for fishing equipment, matches, and band-aids. We also used a hand cut straight stick rather than a rake or broom handle. We were poor kids and didn't have the $$$ for a "custom-made stick", as my Father called it. Thanks for the memories, I'm sure the First Sargent would like your stave.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

My adventures as a lad started in the 1970's, but I didn't have a Scoutmaster for very long. The Troop disbanded around me and I was left alone. It was a small town, so the Troop was not big anyway, but I missed out on the journey. I saw the diagram, given to me by my Woodbadge Scoutmaster that I staffed for. I just to had to make a few as gifts for my two Eagle Scout sons. They carried the staffs with them on the 50 miler this last summer... so they are officially "trail rated." Thanks for stopping by... please come again. :-)

[@dlighted8861]

Your pouch makes a lot more sense than that cut.

[@georgeboyer8158]

@@dlighted8861 The stash bag was a project assigned by the First Sargent. Think of a big fat folding knife pouch. The backing was about 6 inches long by 2 inches wide. The top 2 inches folded over to form a flap. The front piece was about 4 inches by 4 inches. When stitched together, the back piece would wrap around the stave and the front piece would bulge out for access to the contents. The front and back pieces were stitched together with leather shoestring. The flap was held in place by a hand carved button that was held by a piece of leather shoestring. Leather shoestring material also tied the pouch to the stave. The pouch was waterproofed by dipping the completed pouch into melted paraffin and rubbing vigorously while the wax was still hot. The pouch was crude, in point of fact, I used an old boot as my source of leather. The leather shoestring was purchased from a shoe mason. Making that pouch was alot of fun for a 9 year old.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@dlighted8861 I forgot to mention, please do not allow your Scouts to use power tools if you are planning to encourage them to make their own old school Scouting walking staff. (It is not allowed in a Scouting activity.) Also, remind them about the Leave No Trace policies in certain areas are highly restrictive, and if they are going to try and harvest a walking staff from the forest, gain the responsible parties permission before proceeding. Using "dead" wood is most always preferred over live standing wood. Best of luck with your project!

[@georgeboyer8158]

@@HelicoolsHelipad Ya' know, I was thinking about power tool usage when I watched the video. I can remember the hue and cry from parents back in the day when it was announced that we were going to use only our Scout knives on the stave project. We all worked together and helped our buddies, no one suffered as much as a cut finger. There were many lessons learned by all.

[@daviddeas6486]

A small 'possibles bag' is the way we did it in the 60's, no saw cutting. We would find our staves in the woods and work on them in camp. They were all personalized in some way. I still have mine from the 60's, and I'm in my 70's. I was also a Scoutmaster for 23 years.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

God bless you Sir for serving youth for so many years. These days, you really have to check the area that you are in if you can take anything from the forests. It's a new level to Leave No Trace in many locations. Though I am so happy for your memories... I hope you are able to make a few more in Scouting.

[@simongee8928]

All the techno gear you're using to achieve this staff. As a scout, we did all we needed to do with our knives.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Just trying to mimic what they did in the early 1900’s per the Scouting magazine copy. Yeah, now they have all kinds of stuff on knives. But back then, they did not.

[@MowenMcGuire]

Now I'm trying to remember when was the last time I saw my stave, cannot remember when it disappeared. I liked the rake handle idea, and now I think it is time to make a new one: better. thanks for the ideas.

[@simonwebb7701]

I think that old BSA Patrol Sketchbook print is pre-1940's. It is timeless...

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I am glad that I found the sketch. Many people have gone to carvings and adornments on their walking staffs, and have forgotten what they were really used for.

[@jacksond.hardcastle3422]

That is some good bush-craft right there! Love the hidden compartment. Nice twist on the original design.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Thanks, Jackson. Sometimes I just have to act on what looks right for me. That's what I suggest, if you are going to make a walking staff. Individualize it.

[@robertlee8400]

When I was a Boy Scout I just went to H.Q. ( I bet you guys don’t remember that store ) & bought a inch & a half thick Dow that was chest high no fancy stave or stick now I want to go out in the woods on my land & find a nice oak or walnut tree to take a piece for myself because I always see these older gentlemen in my neighborhood walking with them now that I’m getting older .

[@revmarcell6449]

There was a Boy Scout H.Q. in David Burr department store in Irvington NJ. It had all kinds of official Boy Scout goods. It was gone by 1974

[@jonathansevert8400]

I have made dozens of walkimg sticks for various reasons and i have never considered the keep hole! Or the tacks to measure. That is very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

No problem, Jonathan. Come back any time.

[@cathyjensen6933]

Wow! I love that. I am definitely into bug-out hiking. This will come in handy!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Did you want me to make you one for Christmas?

[@cagedraptor]

some wonderful ideas to add to my walking stick. enjoyed watching

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Thanks, friend... come back any time!

[@alangrossheim2582]

Thank you for that. Had I known of the staff when I was in Scouting, I would've loved to make one!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

You and me both. I had no idea about until years later. Thanks for stopping by and come back anytime.

[@michaelbradley8508]

Nice video, nice stave. I have made a number of these types of walking sticks over the years and have used everything from a straight tree branch to rake handles to long dowels. I find each has its advantages and disadvantages. Lately though I have been using two lengths of 1/2 round oak moulding. This makes for a very strong utensil. Today's glue and epoxy are actually stronger than the wood itself. I supplement the glue/epoxy with a few off-set dowels. This method allows for development of clean/safe compartments for hooks and bandages (e.g. no dangerous table saw work). On your stave you could cut off a short portion of the tapered end so the copper plumbing cap fits snuggly. Where I come from the oak walking sticks make for a good defence form coyotes and badgers - no joke... Great job. Michael from Canada

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Michael, that is the best alternative that I have heard for avoiding the table saw cut method! Very, very good idea, and I certainly love a good oak walking stick for their sturdiness. Thank you so much for added a positive comment that furthers the story of the original Boy Scout walking staff.

[@kajinoz]

I am impressed that you can drill an accurate 90 degree angle freehand with your drill. You be the only guy on the planet who can do this. Pure genius!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Uh oh... you must be an Engineer or a surveyor. Sighting accurately through a 1" hole never was going to get anyone safely to the moon and back.

[@tr33m00nk]

Nonsense! Accomplished carpenters/woodworkers do the equivalent "freehand drilling" all the time.

[@donrenner2969]

thank you so much sir for sharing this it just give me an idea to work with my older Cub Scouts for a project

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Awesome... please allow an adult to make the necessary power tool work, unless you have a way using hand tools only. Here is wishing you a successful build and fun times with Cub Scouts!

[@donrenner2969]

we will do that most certainly I already talked to one of my other leaders right after I watch your video do you happen to have a Facebook page or profile so I can send you a friend request if you don't mind

[@scottahermann]

In a Bear goes Fishing adventure, Cubs make a fishing pole. We used bamboo but a walking stave is more utilitarian.

[@svent1000]

This gave me an idea fore a present to a boy-scout in my family. Nice, and thanks

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I think that is a great idea. They'll love it. Thanks for stopping by, and come back anytime.

[@johnnaylor4348]

Don't make it for him!!! Make it a project that you both do together. Great times working together and quality time together.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@johnnaylor4348 I've been asking people that can make these to make three. One for self and two to give away to those that can't make one. Scouts are great at what expectation you lay out for them. If they are high, they will achieve greatness. If they are low, they will still achieve, but not as much. The greatest gift Scouting gave to me was time with my boys and shared memories.

[@taco12]

I carried one much like it as a scout in the late '70s. The one I use today started as a 11/4" clear red oak closet rod, now copper-shod with trail medallions all over it.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Tim Rennels sounds really nice! I wish YT would allow pics in posts.

[@greenwolf401]

Good job. Very informative. I plan on making one, or more. A few things I'll do differently though. For the copper tip, I'm going to use something so I can change tips. For the drill holes and saw cuts, I'll smooth/round them off with a Dremel and sand. Great idea on the clear coat. I'm thinking I'll also add some snare wire. Instead of the packaging tape I'll use duck tape. With the hook, I'll try rubbing the threads on wax before threading on. I really like the idea about the tacks too.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That is the whole point... mod it in a way that makes the most sense to the person who will be carrying it. Great ideas! I also added an artificial sinew wrap and a fly fishing reel held on by two hose clamps with wing nut tighteners. Best of luck on your stave.

[@glenmartin2437]

Thanks. Was in two Marine Corps troops as a Scout. Walking staves were handy.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Totally agree!

[@2ndchancegeorge]

That is very nice. I will make a trudging companion atleast once a year. Always looking for ideas. Gotta love them Boy Scouts...🚶🚶🎣👌

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Hiking with Scouts is a great for me to keep in shape. lol.

[@bomberdog6638]

I take it you're a Bama boy(Auburn shorts), I'm from Walker County myself. Just wanted to say, I think this STAVE is one of the most well thought out pieces of kit I've seen in a minute. My favorite by far !! Really enjoyed the video and oh yeah one more thing ROLL TIDE!!! Sorry, brother lol!!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I lived in Alabama while I attended flight school and later as an instructor pilot for the Army. I made some lifelong friends there and totally love Southern hospitality, the food, and much much more! I'm very glad you liked the video! I have a BAMA shirt, too!

[@aubreygmcghee]

Cool idea. I always wondered why guys used a walking stick. I akways thought is was silly but now I see the prupose in it and all the tools that tou can use it for. Awesome video!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Thanks, friend! The staves that I build all got trail rated on a 50 miler we had this the Scouts the following August. Many blessings!

[@jamesellis5549]

One great use for walking sticks is to move the occasional venomous snake out of the way;all it takes is a nudge or push.That is the main reason I always have one in the woods.Only an imbecile kills snakes .

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@jamesellis5549 all snakes where I live are non-venomous. They are great for the garden as they hunt harmful insects. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@ianlees1480]

I sure wish I still had my Ash stave .One of the best ‘tools’ I ever had during 20 years of scouting

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Love the memories we have from doing stuff in the great outdoors.

[@loadapish]

Very cool. I love it. Ive never seen anything like it. I have modern poles for hiking but i deffo wanna make something like this

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Definitely should. Make your own mods to fit your needs.

[@georgeboyer8158]

The thing that stuck out in my mind more than anything else was the water depth measures. We had to use thumb tacks and we only had three tacks per scout; a green track for one foot, a yellow for two, and a red one for three. Again, we were poor kids and had to use what we had. Our group fell apart also, one-by-one over several years. It wasn't the lack of desire on our part, it simply was not affordable for our parents. Good times, though.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

You know, I think that is why I tend to "over-compensate" as an adult. I was the youngest of eight hungry kids with my Dad deployed in the Air Force for much of my childhood. I remember building stuff out of what we found in the forest or at the local landfill. I was given thumb tacks to use, but saw that the old school Patrol stave used the markers as "emergency nails." The larger decorative tacks were more like nails than the thumb tacks, so that is what I used. Once again, thank you for adding to the story of this video. I am so pleased that it brought back fond memories for you. Many blessings!

[@scottahermann]

Thumb tacks also double for legal fish length. Keep on Scouting

[@scottahermann]

Thank you for the video. As a Cubmaster, I've been thinking about an appropriate present for Cubs this year bridging up to Troop. I think we've got a winner

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Excellent choice! Love that idea... and these are budget friendly. Have fun and thank you for doing all that you can for our youth! YIS!

[@harley1969chuco]

I love your idea for the slot to hold stuff gives me some ides thanks 👍

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That is like music to my ears. Thanks, friend.

[@lyledesaulniers2486]

Enjoyed you video. I do a lot of geocaching and am looking for ideas for geocaching walking stick. Your video had several ideas I could utilize thanks.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Glad I could help... and also glad you are making a purpose built walking stick. So many think my walking stick is "all purpose" which it is not. For me, it meets and exceeds my needs for what I use it for. Happy hiking!

[@alexandrekrassuski972]

excellent replica congratulations. A hug from Brazil

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That is so awesome! Did you see that the rake handle was made in Brazil? Thank you very much, and I loved the Brazilian jungle when I was there in the mid-90's doing medical care in remote villages.

[@papertuxedo]

I finally got around to reading scouting for boys, I've been convinced that I need a staff

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

It’s a good clean project. Make it your way.

[@d0ggydog]

Thanks a bunch, thinking on making a brand new stave and I'm definitely going to be using this video

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That is great! Glad this inspired you. If you are into staff mods, I also did a bunch of mods video. Just ideas.... take them or leave them. But worth the view.

[@d0ggydog]

@@HelicoolsHelipad I definitely will, my friend in my troop is also interested in making one, so I'll be showing him your videos too when we're making them. Thanks!

[@mamasgonecreating1967]

When we made ours, we just put the hooks, line, thread, needle, safety pin and hand aides in mini zip lock bags and put under the para cord as we wrapped it. Saves making the cut so the boys could do it themselves. PS dental floss can be used for fishing line and sewing thread. Also, in a pinch, a safety pin can be used as a fishing hook.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

You need to watch the Walking Stick Mods video. Instead of dental floss, which I really like for whipping rope ends, I added artificial sinew and bank line over the top of the fishing line, after I wrapped it in wax paper. Now, I have fire starting material as well. Presented here are ideas to start you off. Do what you like best, and it will always turn out great.

[@magicdaveable]

When I waa a Boy Scout my "Stave" was made from a Sugar Maple sapling. I found one that was dead straight. Cut it a ground level with a bucksaw. After carefully drying it out to prevent checking i worked on the shaft with my curved "cabinet scraper" made from a broken glass gallon jug. After it was sufficiently smooth it got soaked in thinned Boilded Linseed Oil for about 8 months. Then it was Sun Dried for another month. I used a 1" ridgid copper pipe on the bottom with a pipe cap sweated on. It turned out great. Oh yeah, it was completed in 1959.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I your memory of making this as a youth. So many memories in Scouting that they have to be waved away by the hand just to come back to the present. Thanks for sharing!

[@magicdaveable]

@@HelicoolsHelipad My memory is still vivid and accurate. I will be 72 in May.

[@yellow9904]

Literally just subscribed only because of the intro legitimately loved it

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Thank you! This video of mine is one of those that gets a far reach, and I am so glad that it does. I get to interact with so many people from all round the world because of it. I find that the most rewarding. I'm glad you liked it!

[@user-dl6zx6xt1w]

.... I have never seen a hiking staff with this type of cutout...Looks like too much trouble for the use...this is why Scouts have a small emergency kit made up in a small container ..the one I used a Scout was made up in a small Sucrets canister...worked like a charm....held, waterproof matches, fish line, hooks, small sinkers, some bandages,small tweezers and a single-side razor blade...had it for YEARS...used it a few times for minor cuts...always had it on top of my pack, right next to my rain gear,,,

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

This staff was never intended to take the place of easily popped together emergency kits for backpacking. I've got several of those too. As I added in the video, the center cut is optional for a hidden pocket of emergency supplies, effectively making the staff a swiss army knife, and if that is all you had it would make the grade. The majority of the video is to spark your imagination and coax someone into building a staff like the old Boy Scouts magazine showed how. If you watched the video to the end, there is also a follow on video that shows all the "mods" that I could think of the make the staff into a lot more! Use them or not... or come up with your own mods.... but use your imagination.

[@viewsandreviews180]

I really enjoyed seeing how you made this stave. It’s really nice and should be useful in the field. It reminded me of one I saw a guy use hiking. The difference being his had what I thought was a flag. When it came time to set up camp his came apart into three pieces and the flag turned out to be the seat for the stool the walking stave became. I wish I’d have taken measurements.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Views and Reviews whoa! Now that would be cool! Was the conversion process quick and easy? How did he keep the three pieces together?

[@viewsandreviews180]

Helicool's Helipad thanks for replying and to answer your questions; yes it was easy/quick (less than one minute) to put together, the parts were held together by threaded ends (copper fittings?) and when assembled as a stool he had a steel ring that fit into notches in the stave sections with the “flag” cord (it had a cord sewn in the outer edge) fitting over the threaded portion of the fittings. The whole stave was about head high on me when assembled as a stave (I’m just over 6 feet tall). Because I think it might be a tad lighter I’ve been considering an adaptation of his design that uses a braided paracord loop or loops to hold the stool legs together where they cross.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@viewsandreviews180 That sounds very cool. I can get a picture in my head of what it might have looked like and operated by your description, which I appreciate very much!

[@MK-zg2yy]

Nice work. The only thing I would add is a small ferrocium for fire making.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

You need to check out the Walking Staff Mods video I put out after this one. Lots of good ideas... take 'em or leave 'em.

[@CoupleofBunkies]

Thanks for the video

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I am glad you liked it. Keep trekking! :-D

[@myfriend57]

Lots of good ideas

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Thank you, my friend. Lots of imaginative options... you pick yours! Cheers!

[@thetruthisonlyperspective4872]

"That's not exactly what the tablesaw's meant for." Lmfao, I fucking died laughing. 🤣

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

As I said in the video... it is optional + warnings. If you don't want the hidden pocket, don't do that part. I'm not going to check your work.

[@steelfanatic918]

Great video! Subscribed.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@wpribble]

Some suggestions. Put a ranger band at each end of the 550 cord. But some brass wire next to fishing line, put a scalpel or razor blade inside with your band aids. Staff looks great

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Whoa! Thanks for gifting me with those great ideas. I'll have to pull the 550 cord off to get the razor in there, but was meaning to weave that into a fish scale handle anyway. Thanks so much!

[@jamesboothjr8783]

Drill a whole above and below the cut to help prevent splitting of the staff.

[@jamesboothjr8783]

Use a wood punch to start your drill bit should make drilling easier.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@jamesboothjr8783 ...and I had an punch right there in my tool box. Yeah, sometimes when I'm shooting KZbin videos I forget the simplest things sometimes.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

With all that 550 cord on there, I don't think is going to be a problem, but drill stopping cracks would make having any issue just that much less likely. Thanks for the comment. Come on back anytime.

[@oldoutdoorsguy1157]

@@HelicoolsHelipad And it usually is the simplest thing which causes the most injury.

[@punisher69frank]

@@jamesboothjr8783 and he should shim that table to keep it from rocking!!!!

[@yutubl]

Interesting survival features inside the walking stick. My grand fathers walking stick was covered full with small metal plates with historical signs of each visited town/region in germany and austria. Craftmens advice: mark + punch before drill a hole through smooth + rounded body surface like this cylindrical stick.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Ah yes... love the collectable staff emblems. I never quite got into them, but they are very cool looking. Thanks for the advice on drilling... it helped!

[@MtnBadger]

The 90° peep sight doesn't just help you make a corner, it helps you stay on a truly straight path by sighting to landmarks, keeping them at a right angle to your side, similar to using a compass for sighting a trail. Turning the stave in your Clamping device so you are once again drilling straight down will make for a much more consistent, straight and level hole because working from the side makes it much harder to judge and hold true unless your drill has a built in level and you'll still be more inclined to veer left or right. Just a tip from a long time wood/metal fabricator. I'd also recommend carrying more than one size fish hook, both a worm hook like you show there and a smaller egg hook, which can be used to make impromptu jigs (like flies) as well as eggs and small larvae, etc. for smaller trout, bait fish, etc..

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Indeed. The best advice that I give is to always have your 10 essentials with you in a small day-pack... but if you somehow got separated from those items but still had your staff, the minimal items that you carry in it and on it while remaining light weight is key. Of course, I keep a small set of fishing items in a tiny multi-compartment in my day pack. The fishing stuff is not one of the 10 essential items, but it sure is nice to have in a pinch. I am glad this inspired you to take the time to write down this comment. I hope that you also build a staff with one or two of the ideas that I have shared, along with all the customization that you can imagine. I am certain, it will be cool and very handy in a pinch.

[@MtnBadger]

@@HelicoolsHelipad Sure, and I have lots of redundancies depending upon the situation, like a walking stick kit, because it's when your not expecting it that something happens I was just suggesting pretty much exactly what you have, just two sizes of hook because it's so unpredictable as to a lake or stream or what type fish you may encounter. Good video.

[@Tourn86]

You may have already answered this question before I'm not sure I was wondering what size drill bit you use for the holes for the hook the peep sights and the holes above and below for the para cord And what size the counter sink that was as well

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Use a drill bit that is appropriate for the hook that you select. Make it smaller than the treads... of course... but the size will depend upon the hook. As for the peep sights, a 1/4" bit will do great. As for the counter-sink, go with a 9/32" bit. If you don't have those, go with something close... no one will be able to tell the difference. Have fun, and be safe!

[@Winnie122459]

Nice!

[@jonpaton4449]

Makes a great gift

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Absolutely!

[@EagleScoutMacGuzman]

I made one in Cub Scouts. I should make a new once since Scouting for Boys says it should be “about as high as your nose”.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I think it might be time for another, yes!

[@johnnaylor4348]

You could add a ferro rod with stretch cord as a keeper at the top and glue in a striker to add another feature. Also inlay a spirit compass.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

John... watch the follow-on video for this staff for all the mods that I did. I think you will find it very interesting and use some of the ideas for your stave. Cheers!

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Yes I sure do love to keep some shock cord around!!! Comes in handy!!!

[@BoomLover1000]

Great video, thanks! Just a suggestion, when gluing on that 3/4 inch Copper cap on the bottom end of your stave, cut off about an 1/8 inch of the tapered end of your hoe handle. Your cap will fit tighter and firmer...

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Hi Jim! Thanks for the suggestion. I was attempting to keep the integrity of the length of the staff as a measuring stick. My suggestion is to use a liberal amount of epoxy to fill the gap. I know, a half an inch isn't much, but can you imagine the number of comments I would get if the staff was off my a half inch? LOL! Thanks again for furthering the story of the video. Many blessings!

[@BoomLover1000]

@@HelicoolsHelipad Actually, I said about 1/8the, ( one eighth) of an inch, for a snugger fit. Another suggestion might be to use a 5/8's inch Copper cap, as opposed to the 3/4, and just shave up the end of the stave to fit...my reason for this is a cap simply held on by glue, rather than a tight, friction fit, is likely to be knocked off rather soon with outdoor use, around rough terrain, and when that is lost, your stave would wear out much quicker. I am not trying to take anything away from your design, I really like it, you have added many useful features, great job!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@BoomLover1000 Any suggestions made to continue the story might give future folks visiting here more ideas than just the original video started... so it's all good. I'm not sure if they make copper pipe in 5/8" though. I think it is mainly 3/4" and 1/2"... of course 1/4" and 1" as well. So far, so good... I took mine on a 50 miler and trail-tested it this last summer (actual 54.4 miles). I haven't really smacked the heck out of the cap to the point of failure yet, but I am sure it does have it's limits.

[@michaelsexton70]

when you have a collection of staves you have to choose which staff to use to stave someone's head in better just keep a staff handy.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

LMBO! Heck yeah... my sentiments, exactly.

[@elund408]

Having staff around is always nice to haul the water make the food and wash the dishes,

[@aubreygmcghee]

What is the hook for and are there other uses or tools on it you didn't cover in the video?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

The hook is for grabbing items that are out of reach or carrying a small sack. I have a follow-on video with all the modifications that I added to my staff to personalize it to my tastes. Really, the sky is the limit... use your imagination.

[@kodiakdebear2806]

did you choose hook because of directions in book or so that it also can be used as a limb grabber or another reason I prefer a eye hook in this type of build

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I chose the hook because of the Patrol drawing. The specific hook, because I wanted something weather-proof. It is a limb/fruit grabber and general purpose reach extender. LOL! Good luck on your build and thanks for stopping by!

[@kodiakdebear2806]

if you got extra try out a eye makes a nice guide for fishing line - slide stick or other thing through for reach and fruit /limb grabbing allows you to quick clip things on to it among other uses - if you try it out let me know your thoughts have a good day

[@richshawver2130]

To carry more hooks nest smaller sized hooks inside the large hooks.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Definitely more hooks will fit, but not too many more. It is only a 1/8" curf-cut with a regular with-grain table saw blade. It barely is enough to squeeze two band aids together. The volume of fishing tackle is carried in my go-bag, but for emergency use, it'll catch some fish. :-) Thanks for being a part of the conversation... it is appreciated!

[@AzraelThanatos]

The one thing that I would suggest as a modification might be to swap the copper at the base for one of the rubber staff/cane ones that are out there. Might be a little bit more expensive than the copper end cap, but it gives a bit more grip and doesn't clank as much if you're going onto areas of cement or stone...or wood.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Good idea! For me, it was just easier to source and was cheap. An added benefit is that it lets bears know that you are coming, and gives them time to gather their cubs and move away. Very noisy "animals" are noisy because they are so dangerous, they can be noisy and get away with it. Other animals recognize this, too.

[@elizabethslifka4750]

So is the hook on then just for hanging it up??? Personally I think if that's all I does I will leave it of any rendition of stave that I make .

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

The hook is for grabbing items that are out of reach... like apples in a tree. It can also be used to sling a small sack over your shoulder. Your imagination makes the possibilities limitless. Again, this was what the 1940's Boy Scout stave had on it. Good luck making your own mods... I hope I have given you some good starting points.

[@kurtbaier6122]

I’m a BSA from the 1960s. The hook is also to put the bail of a pot into it to dip it off the bank to get some water, or to place or remove a pot off of the fire. Would tighten up the eye of the hook to just fit your pot bail.

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

Thanks for sharing, this is interesting. When would emergency nails be needed, though, and how would tacks be long/strong enough? I don't understand how they'd be removed radio enough with wood glue, either. And why not see on the stick where's wet to jist how deep it is, and see by eye when the sticks removed even in rapid area wether it's too deep etc? Looking at the pamphlet, there's an elastic band also suggested-any suggestion what that was for? The girth and length/debateably uncomfortable weight over a long hike? I'd love to know how it could be used as a fishing rod too, I'd absolutely love to have an ad-hoc rod from a branch or hiking pole. And how many players are needed? I didn't see what else went in the slot. A pole this wide, I'd suggest drilling a hollow in the top and filling it with something like a film canister or just a bung/screw of some sort, matches dipped in wax with something to strike, stormproof. Do you think a brass bottom would be quiet enough to walk with, without a clang every other step? I think a worn bottom is good, it debateably muffles the sound and absorbs the shock even if slightly, and if the sticks beaten too much then a camp craft is right there to spend time and such

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

In the old Patrol article, it said that the tacks could be used as emergency nails... I really don't know what I would want to nail together, other that posting notes telling people where to find you or hanging up a sunscreen. It was in the 1920-40's article, so I kept the reference. Wood glue will not hold a metal tack very well, but it's enough to prevent them from falling out. That's why. If the staff is already wet, as if you are crossing a creek, dipping it into the water and pulling it out to check wetness height is not an option. Besides, the measuring technique also works for measuring other things, like the size of fish you caught. I'm not sure what the elastic band was for either, so I did not add it to my staff. As for long hike comfort... both me and my sons took ours on a 50 miler and had no problem. the hand hold with the loop was great! AND, it kept overly aggressive dogs from coming too close. As for the size of the staff... it would not work for any kind of larger cavity to hold stuff in. Think, lawn rake. Yeah, it is fairly small in diameter. As for the bottom... I like to warn animals that I am approaching. It is when you sneak up on them and surprise them, that you often get into big trouble with them. Mine also has a bear bell on it for that very effect.

[@randyrichardson5325]

i have a red bar bill scout manual it has the scout stave and the 6ft commando rope in it

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Very nice! Collector's item!!!

[@kevola5739]

To make the slot in the stave, crank the blade down below the top of the table. Position the stave length over the centre of the blade and clamp in place. Turn on the saw and slowly crank the blade up until it comes through the wood. Reposition by turning the stave 180 degrees to even the slot from the other side. You may want to drill holes at each end of the slot before cutting to prevent the end from splitting. This should provide a much more accurate cut and is much safer to attempt especially for first timers. Hi Ho Hi Ho Hi Ho!!!!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That is great advice. I figured out that trick a while ago, but you know KZbin... once you upload a video, there is no way to replace it with an updated version. Thank you for continuing the story... peace be with you.

[@kurtbaier6122]

Electrical tape on hooks, small sinkers, fishing line, saw blade, etc. Then wrap with more tape. No slot is needed. Wrap over it with cord with whatever cordage that you want. Definitely drill a top and bottom hole to knot the cordage. I’m a 1960s BSA. Construction line is tough and of smaller diameter and you can wrap a lot of it on the staff. We also used clothes line. We didn’t have paracord.

[@terrysmith8714]

Where did you get the RAD ROPE? Yellow and Magenta used for nuclear boundaries?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I really don't remember where I got the rope. It could have been at the local store or ordered it on-line. :-D

[@pacthegreatest]

Happy birthday Bob

[@CuteLesbo69]

I wish I was good with my hands and wood working, I would love to have one of these.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Maybe I should come up with a contest and give a couple away at cost. I'm not in business to sell these, or in business at all for that matter. Truly, you don't have to have the hidden pocket... it is optional. The rest is easy enough with a hand-drill. Let me know if you have any issues if you decide to try and make one. Cheers!

[@oldoutdoorsguy1157]

@@HelicoolsHelipad "Maybe I should come up with a contest and give a couple away at cost." Could you explain that a little better for me, sir? It sounds somewhat like an oxymoron to me.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@oldoutdoorsguy1157 I can see your point. The part I would be giving away would be my time and sweat.

[@oldoutdoorsguy1157]

@@HelicoolsHelipad And I see YOUR point also, but somewhere along the line, one has to decide whether the money outweighs the good one does by giving something to others or simply turning life itself into a business of sorts. I offer an example, I have always been an outdoorsman, from birth in the Appalachian Mtns. of PA [literally, in a blizzard in 1943] to present day here on the Panhandle of FL. I have always found true peace and comfort and relief from the world of stress and other "habits" we humans put ourselves through in our quest for the "brass ring" we all seem to seek at one time or another. One of my favorite things to do is keep watch, as I wander through the woods on a day trip or other trek, for proper stave materials to harvest. I try not to remove healthy wood stock from the environment and I usually pass up more options than I decide to take, but I always make a special hiking stick out of the ones I do process. Recently, I was visiting one of my very good friends here on the Panhandle when his wife, a diabetic mentioned that she wished she could find a proper walking stick to use as she progressed in her distances of her daily walks. I asked her what properties she thought made up a "proper" walking stick and, after she told me her needs, I sort of left the subject pass. But, on the next trip west from my home to visit with these folks, I had one of my favorite "finds" which I found over a year earlier and was peeling and processing into a nice day trip walking stick. It was about 5' long, light weight, and a nice straight 1 1/2" trunk of a young Eastern Red Cedar which had succumbed to a combination of buck rubs through a year or so and was almost totally uprooted by the action. that little cedar sapling went from helping a young buck to prepare for that season's rut to becoming one of my personal staves to eventually being paid forward, so to speak, for the opportunity to do something for a friend in need. I get a feeling of "completeness" when I see the appreciation blossom onto another's face at having someone do something special for them and making the gesture a surprise, much like "opening" a surprise gift with the awareness of friendship as the only "gift wrap". I cannot convey to you how much more you may get from such a "contest", should you decide to make it a real contest about life and its rewards than simply "wholesaling" an item to the winner. Were it MY contest, the only requirement would be that the winner[s] email me a photo of their "prize" being used in some fashion. You'd be amazed at what "needs" are actually out there if one searches a bit .......

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@oldoutdoorsguy1157 that was a fantastic and inspiring example of selflessness. Being that my wife and I are chest deep in helping run a Gospel Mission where homeless of all kinds come in to get out of the weather, a shower, warm dry clothes, and a hot meal. I can totally relate to the number of needs there are, locally and across the country. I've been asked on more than one occasion if I am selling the staff or if I can make them one. My role in this was to show people how to do it, or at least how I did it. I am just a guy with a family that struggles just like everyone else, and to current date, KZbin makes me $0 dollars. I have given away every one of the staves that I have made so far, with the exception of the one I kept for myself. I have no plans of making this a business at the moment. While I acknowledge the need, those that have viewed this video and have the God given skill to make the staff, might take up the challenge to make three. One to keep, and two to give away. Many hands do make light work. My role was showing how. God bless you and your endeavors.

[@sandrakinsey134]

Use an awl to locate hole

[@fludrbywest3886]

Wondering won’t the slit weeken the staff? Oh I see how you worked it awesome job❤ thanks for sharing❤️🥰🙏🏻👍🏻❣️😊

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Yes it will, but if you wrap it tightly with that 550 cord, it should be fine. Mine has lasted for many years... plus two 50 milers. Definitely a good conversation piece and teaching opportunity with young Scouts.

[@outdoordreamer]

Realizing this is late to the game (and I apologize if I missed these suggestions in previous comments), but if you take some emery cloth or sandcloth (plumber's tape?) to sand the inside edges of your stash cut, your content would not get caught on the kerf marks inside. Also if you put your fishing line inside a folded piece of paper it will keep it contained and some firestarter as well.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I am always up for good suggestions... thank you for providing some great tips for myself and future viewers.

[@GoodPhotos]

Nice build. If you use Titan SurvivorCord instead of standard 550 paracord, you have 620 LB tensile strength (instead of 550) with three standard strands of the interior cordage that is usually in paracord, AND you also have 25 LB fishing line, a 2mm strand of waterproofed Jute firestarter and a strand of 30 AWG metallic alloy utility wire (8lb test) which are all as long as your paracord wrap itself. 😉 PERSONALLY, I'd also wrap the center cut with twists of Gaffer Tape and Duct Tape instead of clear packing tape. Both are more useful than clear packing tape and would still keep the contents dry under all that paracord in most cases.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I've never even heard of Titan cord... is this a new product?

[@GoodPhotos]

@@HelicoolsHelipad It's been around for a few years. Veteran owned company. Evidently our Spec Ops folks love the stuff. I have begun replacing all of the normal 550 paracord in all my kits with the Titan SurvivorCord...it's a bit pricier than the generic 550 stuff, but for the flexibility, it makes sense to me as an investment in kits that may in some remote possibility be used as a matter of life or death (or at the very least the matter of prepared comfort or unprepared discomfort.) 🙂

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Now, you can order Helicool's Helipad merch!!! teespring.com/stores/helicools-merch Check it out!

[@kurtbaier6122]

Liked it

[@johnthomas5806]

duct tape over the hole can be used as fire stater if needed....

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Great idea! It really and truly has a thousand uses.

[@plutoplatters]

giving a big " scout out " !!

[@rcoutdoors8176]

I'm actually working on mine right now except I cut a tree limb down in my yard that was almost perfectly straight

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Rob Young I think natural wood for a walking stick is great. Especially if it was scrap, bound for the burn pile or landfill. I also have a staff “mods” video to spawn inspiration for things you might want to do with your staff. Cheers!

[@vortega472]

In lieu of fishing line and paracord - Use Survival Cord that will have that fishing line and other items. Perhaps that will work.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Survival Cord? Never heard of that one before. I'll have to look that one up. Thanks.

[@stephen8433]

I subscribed and gave thumbs up. How do i find your brother's channel?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Search "badbadbob1" ...that should get you there.

[@plutoplatters]

a "crutch tip " would be far less "slippery" than the copper tip... love the copper look must say

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Indeed! There are benefits to each. The copper tip is noisy, so warning bears and other wildlife that you're coming is good. It will slide on rock, though. Thanks for the advice!

[@tomdonaghy8757]

Elaborate! Food for Thought! Likely overkill for the basic use of a walking staff, which is not to survive, it's to be a companion and a useful prop for a pleasant walk through Nature. Ingenious though, appreciate your contribution...

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Thanks, Tom! I hope that it gives you some ideas for your walking staff. Have you seen the Walking Staff Mods video, yet? It too is a spin off from the original Boy Scouts Walking Stave. You might enjoy it also.

[@larrymedlin3546]

I was a scout years ago and I know that he just ruined the integrity of that stick on the table saw and rendered it unusable!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Well, the walking stick that I use was trail tested on the last scouting 50 miler, and I can attest that it is strong as ever, and "trail tested." The whole cut is totally enclosed in super-tight 550 cord. It is not going anywhere. Have faith in Brazilian hardwood and 550 cord... thanks for the comment, friend.

[@troymcdonald9086]

I would leave out the bandaid slot due to weakening of the staff!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That is why it is totally optional. Take what you like and toss out what you don't... it's free. My advise is to do what makes you happy... if everyone did it like me, what a boring world we would have. Best wishes on your build.

[@dutchywv]

still have my walking staff i am going on 60 years old too

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I love it. A tool used gains no rust... in the case, just goes more miles. Mine has been with me for three 50 milers and counting.

[@Nobody-11B]

What are the peep holes for exactly?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

The Patrol drawing did not really say, other than they are for sighting. I believe they are a navigation tool to go around obstacles, such as a lake. Typically, the staff peep sight is positioned in the direction of travel... then peering through the sights 90 degrees to the right or left, the navigator can travel in a square pattern around the obstacle, counting how many paces they traveled off course. When the obstacle has been cleared, they count the same number of paces to get back to the course-line. Sights help the navigator square off the corners with ease. Thanks for the question!

[@johnnaylor4348]

@@HelicoolsHelipad All line of sight. Goes the same with landmarks. You are spot on with your analogy.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@johnnaylor4348 Thanks, brother!

[@carlosmaldonado7936]

My concern would be if i lose my staff I lose other things too. I might keep the other things on my person as a backup. 2 is 1 and 1 is none.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

For sure, that makes good common sense! The staff is an emergency back up. You should have a "go" bag and carry it with you in the trunk of your car... ready when you are, or in place when you are most vulnerable (away from home). The walking staff is for when you are intentionally moving out, whether that be on a hike, or enroute to your "safe" location. Best to you, and thanks for the comment.

[@dougevans6389]

What is your brother’s youtube channel?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

kzbin.info

[@rhymereason3449]

Not only was that cut extremely dangerous and could throw a jagged spear right into your throat or jugular... but I would think that it also seriously weakened the staff.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Many think the cut weakens the staff, and to a certain degree, it does. But not like you may be thinking. With the 550 cord wrap and several 50 milers later... it's trail rated. A little overly dramatic about the danger of the cut I made, I think. Dozens of staffs later I have never had the blade even hint at grabbing the wood. Your blade should be sharp, at full RPM, and the cut needs to be done smoothly and slowly while keeping your grip on the wooden staff. If you don't want to do it, don't. It's optional, as I specified in the video. I hope this has given you some ideas on how you would do your staff. Make one, and trail rate what you like. If we all made the same thing, how boring would that be? Best of luck, my friend.

[@carls.6746]

do you sell these anywhere?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

No, I do not. I just wanted to share what I found in a really old Patrol drawing from Boy Scouts.

[@mrshelicool]

Not just for boys... us "girls" like to get out and hike, too.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That's right, honey!

[@jeeves6490]

@@noname-gp2wk Is diddums upset?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@noname-gp2wk MrsHelicool is my wife. LOL! She is just trying to say that ladies like hiking too. No political gender thing was intended. Cheers!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@noname-gp2wk "Women might like to hike with this staff." Thanks for stopping by... come back again anytime.

[@johnnaylor4348]

Tom Byfield I think it would be kinda hard to stash a box of Tampons in a Stave.

[@plutoplatters]

that could also be a "fishing rod" stiff...yes.... but in a jam...

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

You totally get it. Thank you!

[@danieljhalab6775]

i dont think the rake handle is a good idea because rake handles are not made to support a teenagers/adult mans weight and i think it would be a good thing to do with the other scouts where you all go to harvest straight sticks of hardwood

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

The rake handle is Brazilian hardwood... most quality yard tools are made with hardwood, though I don't think that a staff that is light enough to carry for miles and miles should ever be used as a step to lash a wide ladder together (for instance) where a full grown adult would put their entire weight on the middle of the staff. Find a good balance between light weight and strength... and be reasonable with how you use your staff as a tool. (To achieve super light weight, you have to sacrifice some strength.) Though if you are talking about pulling strength, even a soft wood has some pretty amazing pulling strength... perhaps not so much bending strength. I hope you have success in your search and many fun adventures in scouting!

[@coreyclark6532]

Do you make them for sell

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I suppose I could be convinced to do so, but no I don't. I have no idea what I would even charge.

[@recan2074]

Peep holes HAVE to be 90 degrees? And you eyeballed it?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

The pole is only an inch thick, with holes around 1/8" with no crosshairs or optics... it is not meant to be a surveyors theodolite. If you have ever land navigated with or without this type of staff, a "general" 90 degree turn to avoid a non-crossable obstacle (keeping track of how many steps or paces you travel off course), followed by an opposite direction 90 degree turn is at best a good swag. If you have a compass, a 90 degree turn is easy... just add or subtract 90 degrees from the heading. The closer you can come to 90 degrees to drill the holes, obviously the better. Most people, including me, do not have sophisticated machinery to get it exact, so eyeballing it in most cases will have to do. Just do you best to make it as precise as you can. Hope you enjoyed the video and will make one for yourself. Cheers!

[@plutoplatters]

some 10 lb braided line wound not get coiled up... like mono does..

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That is the best tip I have gotten in quite a while. Easy fix... done! Thank you again!

[@kimcurtis9366]

Would it not have been safer to completely lower your blade, clamp your stave in position on both ends, start the saw and slowly raise the blade until your cut is completed? If well clamped, there is MUCH LESS CHANCE of injury! Good video with lots of good ideas this old Boy Scout remembers! THANKS!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

That my friend, is a great idea! Thank you very much for adding content to the video. I didn't even think about clamping it down like that. Say, if you watch the follow on survival mods to the walking staff, please add any additional features that you can think of. Best wishes!

[@davesmilie3082]

Raise the blade in to the work!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I guess if you clamp the staff down to the table, that might be an option. Doing this with one hand on the staff and one hand turning a table saw crank is not what I would recommend.

[@davesmilie3082]

@@HelicoolsHelipad - yes, clamp to the table. Then raise the blade. No hands ever near the blade.

[@timlist4173]

A router with a small straight bit would have made a cleaner cut. And it would have been safer.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

They make a cutting router bit that’s 1/8” wide and 1 1/4” depth?

[@AnotherMe890]

Yes, Amazon has 1 1/4" long 1/8 router bits. Plus if you use a stop and plunge cut in from the top and bottom you wouldn't need the jig saw. Or need the belt sander afterwards. Much safer plunge cutting onto a router table than a table saw, plus vertical ends to the cuts, plus the walls would have a rounded end that would be less likely to Crack.

[@knothardly4727]

War Eagle!

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

First one to comment on that!!! I loved living in Alabama! Sweet home.

[@havfunwithit]

I have this idea that I think you will find interesting. I have a SOG Spirit knife. The handle on the SOG knife is designed to unscrew so the knife can be attached to a broom stick or tree branch. I’d like to modify my walking staff so I could attach the knife to the end. Would make a great spear. I’m looking to find a broomstick with a metal screw cap I can attach because the knife is threaded for that. I would keep the rubber tip that came with the staff over it when not in use.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I think that would be a very cool addition to the walking staff. I really enjoy that differences folks come up with as mods. Best of luck with your walking staff!

[@havfunwithit]

Helicool's Helipad you can buy the knife on Amazon. I have seen it at Walmart. It’s about $30. SOG Spirit

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

@@havfunwithit Thanks again, friend. That is something that I know my bush-crafting brother does not have! LOL!

[@capohd28]

Hope you have levelled that saw since, lol. Wobbly saws are very dangerous.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

It's not the saw... it's the floor! LOL! Good eye on that... you are the first to mention it.

[@capohd28]

@@HelicoolsHelipad lol. I figured that but some shims would a good idea, 🤪

[@tabowhunter]

I’m confused about the peep hole ?

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

The peep hole is a sight hole so you can keep on your track (say if you didn't have a compass) but were pacing off a direction because you knew the distance. If you needed to make a 90 degree turn to avoid an obstacle, but did not want to lose your pace count, you could sight in the original target direction, then preventing the staff from spinning, step to the side and sight down the perpendicular peep sight. Count the paces it takes to move to the right or left around the object. Then use the sight to make another 90 degree turn so that you are pacing parallel to your original course-line; continue you pace count. Later, when the obstacle is clear, you can make another 90 turn and pace off the same number of steps that you used to come off your original course-line to avoid the obstacle. Once that is complete, you should be back on your original course-line. Use the 90 degree sight again and resume your direction and pace count. Make sense?

[@tonybucca5667]

put 5-6-7 wraps of duct tape around the staff...it comes in handy out in the field. You could have cut the tip shorter so the copper cap would have been a resistance fit.

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

Yes, I could have cut the tip, but I wanted to keep the 5' exact measured staff height in tact. The epoxy is very strong... I trail rated three of the staves this last summer on a 50 miler (5 days, four nights with the Boy Scouts) and had no issue. I made three videos on the 50 miler that I posted to my channel if you are interested.

[@rtoguidver3651]

I got a 6ft dowel rod at Lowes for under $10 ..

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

I think that is a very good start

[@Iseekoutthetruth]

ok now I know what a walking stave is.

[@LaineyBug2020]

Gives a different meaning to Omnia mea mecum porto...

[@HelicoolsHelipad]

hmmm... character traits and wisdom? I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you!