Carve a Twisted Hazel Thumb Stick. Woodland Whittling.

In this video, Maggie and I head off to the woods to carve a walking stick. We find a lovely sunny spot amongst the stands of hazel and settle down for a couple of hours of pure peaceful bliss! Hazel is such a versatile material for bushcraft and woodland craft, having many, many uses and being strong and flexible is ideal for walking sticks, thumb sticks and staffs.
I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching!
Links
TBS Boar Bushcraft Knife.
www.thebushcra...
Ben Orford small carving knife
benandloisorfo...
Plasters
www.band-aid.com
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
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Music: Morning Mandolin by Chris Haugen
Firefly by Chris Haugen

[@andrewb9590]

I’m a subscriber, but hadn’t seen this video before. So nice to see Maggie in her younger days out rambling with you. Happy memories!

[@terry7907]

Maggie makes every video better.

[@karenh789]

Love your newfie❤ The walking stick is very classy!

[@pondlife1952]

Enjoyed that very much as i need a walking stick. Good to see Maggie again too. You must miss her.

[@frombeetothee]

Thanks for sharing your great craft, after a hard walk l need a walking stick just like that one😊

[@clairgardner5146]

Nice work ! Beautiful dog !

[@anthnymalclmrberts3847]

Quality craftmanship 👍🔥

[@tonynapoli5549]

Can’t beat hazel thanks for sharing

[@The_Stoic_PhilosopherAU]

Uncle Simon, I must share with you the best damper recipe ever.

[@lh692]

what a nice way to spend an afternoon. nice job on the thumb stick...

[@cindyrobertson8542]

Love your Newfoundland Maggie too

[@TheClaudfry]

Terrific Video. Thank you for sharing !

[@snorkherder]

Very nice Thumbstick Simon, excellent work :) ATB.

[@Miguel_GM]

Nice stick, congrats and thanks!

[@djhavoc8755]

I love you and your videos keep up the good work

[@nickdunbar2967]

My cousin made me a blackthorn stick and slipped a section of metal pipe on the end.Nice vid.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Simon wrote: "We find a lovely sunny spot amongst the stands of hazel and settle down for a couple of hours of pure peaceful bliss! " So you are doing "moving meditation!" And you reminded me of why I used to love walking in the woods... I explored all day long when I was a child, sunrise to just before sunset. Had to be home by sundown! Love the music, the background sounds, sound of your voice, love the habitat and your big black dog... and love watching you do your beautiful work. Reminds me of the fields in North Carolina, and wish you were a neighbor of mine! This video will have to be *second* best! Gracias, amigo!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Catherine! There is nothing better than a quiet spot amongst the trees, just the wind in the leaves, the creak of the trees and the birds singing - nothing is more peaceful.

[@patrickfarley8036]

Very cool looking Newfie pup! Makes me sad for my old boy "Bruin" ('97-'05). They are one of the best breeds you could ever hope to have as a friend or family member.

[@goranpocina9628]

Nice touch mentioning you first did that at the age of 5. When I offered my 6 and 9 year olds a chance to try a single spiral, they *flew* to get headlamps and search the yard for potential sticks. All three of us will be making thumb sticks for the first time this Spring. Really nice musical intro.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That’s lovely! Kids love to carve! 😁

[@johnnybushman651]

What Maggie!, Simon Cut his thumb in the woods carving! For some reason that remind me of a lassie Tv show when I was a kid. 😁 looked like a fun little project , I got some hazel here at home I planted around 20 years ago, going to have to make one or two . Nice to see you again Simon , sure looked nice were you was at , starting to warm up here . Come on summer! Have a good day mate . A.T.B. Thanks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha! I was getting a bit of Skippy the Bush kangaroo there too! Thanks mate!

[@johnnybushman651]

Didn’t know who skippy was , looked it up. Going to have to see if I can watch some of that 😂

[@appalachianbushcraft6335]

Very nice. You sir are a jack of all trades! I’m impressed.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

And master of none!!! 😂😂

[@Thecrispykid]

Something about this guy. Simply a great chap. I’d love to spend some time outdoors with him.

[@CatherineSTodd]

me, too!

[@jonwatson9765]

Well, you might join your local council conservation volunteers. Woodland management is just one of the tasks, copicing etc. My favourite tool for this is a Yorkshire billhook. But you might also end up hedge laying - putting in a row of posts in an overgrown hedge, then partially cutting the growing stems, laying them over and weaving in between the posts. These are all very satisfying tasks anyone can manage first time out with more experienced members. The group usually provides the tools. Try it sometime and get out there in the fresh air and experience the real thing, not just watch and wish on KZbin. Where ever you are, look and you will find. Next maybe dry stone walling or, in our group, a weekend in the Welsh mountain s helping restore a Welsh long house, an exchange trip with a German group in theNord Eiffel and so it goes. If you like watching, don't just wish, get involved. It is within easy reach.

[@bigfatpear]

what a bloody nice stick.good job.

[@darrellpidgeon6440]

I always smile when I see Maggie. Hey, I don't think blood makes the best wood stain. lol.

[@johantimmer3467]

Incredibly strong, hazel. I made a handle for my pickaxe from it 31 years ago and it's still whole despite all I've subjected it to since.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Wow! Well, that says all you need to know about it! Cheers!

[@Tom_Bee_]

Woah

[@justinfrost5548]

Good tip rounding off the edges, I learned this after my first little cane I made for my step son.

[@MsCanTG]

It's beautiful

[@traviscreamer1267]

Looks great.

[@perebird]

Nice one Simon...like the logo too 👍

[@carolyngaulin7822]

My grandpa used to carve peach pits in to small baskets 🧺. I from Massachusetts I. My grandma made baskets out of honey suckle vines ! That’s a good craft to know carveing. Love your videos ! You must know a lot ! Bye

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Carolyn, I don’t know much really, I’m on a learning journey, but it’s fun to share as I go! I’m curious as to what a peach pit is? Cheers, Simon

[@ihop8783]

Great intro Simon!

[@jens-kristiantofthansen9376]

Perfect viewing with a cup of tea. Thanks for taking us along. Maggie really a darling!

[@johantimmer3467]

Great how dogs can relax whilst overlooking us working. Actually I had both our dog and our cat doing that this afternoon whilst forking over the vegetable garden...

[@davidhuxtable8918]

Yes but its about times all these lazy well kept well fed pets actually did some work!!? I think they are trying to overtake us? Have us on the ends of a shoestring!! We are their puppets!! Are they planning to takeover from us? Hmmm? Makes you think theyve already got us working for them?

[@johantimmer3467]

My previous dog was my helpmeet for wildlife tracking. Our current one hasn't learned that but, although quite friendly, is a very good guardian around the house. As for our cat, she's lots better than I am at catching mice and actually this very afternoon she did a very good job. I saw her do the predator approach stuff on the lawn, went to look and saw this was about a hedgehog. I've made a nestbox for those, so this allowed me to put one directly in it to catch the odour, hoping he or she will adopt it to breed in. We haven't had a resident couple for 6 years and we need them to eat slugs and suchlike.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It’s lovely isn’t it - content dog, content human! 😁

[@joliski]

Always a pleasure watching your videos.

[@jamesstalnaker8937]

EXCELLENT, very informative and helpful!😁

[@dodge7679]

Good vid Simon...I'm going to try this out .....🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@architexturalchaos1862]

This should be on prescription as a sure method to induce childhood nostalgia in some people.:) My first "just-use-the-bush" craft was a fishing rod rest - essentially the Thumb Stick with a sharpened end and a few sizes smaller. And, of course, the explanation why the "fingers" of the "V" have to be just right - not to wide and not to narrow.:) A 4 or 5 y.o. me was fascinated! It felt as if I was being entrusted with something very important, some delicate secret and a huge discovery: I can make things from something that is simply there, and I am free to do so as long as I do not take more then I need. So many important things can be taught in such a simple way, taught to last. No early educational system, elaborate software or specialised program can beet the kind of marvel and bonding that can be achieved with a couple of hours of a genuinely rich interaction. Great video Simon! In honour of all the bleeding thumbs (up)!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!! I wholeheartedly agree! Time in the woods is time well spent and so much to be learnt, real human skills that we are built to learn! 👍

[@michaelreed9652]

Ich bin begeistert, jawohl

[@davehaag8175]

Beautifull...well done...A+++

[@tinaturner134]

This fantastic educational phenomenal bushcarft channel and the video he’s makes are great phenomenal amazing way to help people learn their bushcraft skills and learning activities and I am glad to supporting this phenomenal man and his experience exciting bushcraft channel and Simon is funniest man on planet right now 🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Nice video and good job on that Thumb Stick. Greetings,, Kitty

[@Fireandaxes]

Nice chilled vid bud 👍🐺 BR Darryl

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Always a pleasure watching your videos. Thanks, Simon. 🌄

[@Stringman1950]

Like your style, your message, the music, the videos. Really enjoy the shows. Relaxing.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! 👍

[@ImagesofFarming]

Nice one Simon, looking forward to seeing it oiled.

[@drpulpit]

with patina of essence of human life from the thumb...

[@thengillarnason7822]

Thats what she said

[@kaystrong8654]

Nice I don’t even think of things like that to do thanks

[@paul2466]

Excellent video, Maggie is such a peaceful soul

[@MrMeltedwellies]

Hi Simon really enjoyed watching that nice one squirrel

[@stevend9124]

Excellent video my friend you look very happy doing this 😄😄😄😄

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Happy as Larry (whoever he is!!)

[@michaelhamer1277]

yep simon gonna have a go at this from a drift wood stick we find here in orkney...all the best..mick.

[@rolandsalazar9562]

I like that you didn’t edit your accident. And you admitted to forgetting your first aid kit. Very genuine & sincere video. Do you still have this “Thumb Stick”. Safe travels & God bless. ⛺️👍🏼😎

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Roland. We are all human, and I’m a clumsy bugger!! 😂 I do still have it - it’s taking on a nice rich colour as it sits in the corner of my ‘man cave’ 👍

[@johnturner6251]

@@simonablokeinthewoods need some pics of this I think

[@samuelquinn6198]

Great video as always Simon

[@jastimbal60]

Very nice!

[@FazzaFazza]

Shows how useful a few plasters are! Easily forgotten first aid kit. Nice video simple starter carving/whittling project. Thankyou for sharing the idea and the gear!

[@robertj4689]

another good video

[@nntimberwolf2197]

Neat idea!! Ill give that a try!

[@AQGYM]

I love the patience of dogs. great companions

[@Kenbur]

I said to myself, "thumbstick? thumbstick? what is a thumbstick?" well now I know! thanks again, Simon. I am fast catching up and enjoying every minute of it!

[@Cassinhomes]

I have to say I really enjoy your video's. Combing hiking with crafts etc really keeps me wanting more. Please keep it up!! Best regards from Canada.

[@daveedwards6567]

Nice one Simon

[@alanwainwright473]

nice video Simon, its good to see different ways of cutting and carving. ATB mate.

[@pallefrandsen3052]

Nice carving Simon 👍

[@MotoHikes]

Just a little tip to save the blade of your knife. Use the 90 degree spine to remove the bark - it works just as well and you won't dull your blade. Great video all the same. First one of your i've seen, and I have subbed :)

[@marksadventures3889]

Good stuff Simon

[@crissdamage666]

Ouch, careful there mate. We don't want to see "Simon, a bloke in the hospital!" (loved the link to band aid btw) I have used Hazel to build bender shelters in the past, as you say it's incredibly versatile wood. ATB Criss

[@fourteencrows1244]

I'm sure that would still be a good episode.. Today we're camping in the ER over set up my baker tent near the triage and I'm going to make up a nice stew while waiting..

[@cimbrerbushcraft-vikingheritag]

Great tutorial Simon 👍🏻😁 Never seen a thumb stick before 🤔👌🏻 but looks nice. Thanks for sharing Atb to you my friend 😉 Tom

[@bond-basildonbond]

Loved the stick and the nick Cheers

[@mrkqltr]

Thanks for being real. It makes me feel better when I do dumb things like cut my finger tip or whatever

[@colinbrown4008]

Simply lovely mate

[@lynnchandler3116]

thank you this is a good project for me and my Grandson!

[@mtstream55n]

Nice stick!

[@dianejacklin4338]

Nice way to spend a couple of hours xx

[@gizahgin1]

Thank you.

[@bigal2380]

Nice job

[@jasonobee9067]

Forgetting your first aid kit... tut tut haha Always enjoy the ‘Make it’ videos - thanks mate ✌🏼

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I know, I know!!! 😂

[@slimpickins3425]

Don't you just hate when you bleed all over your work? Nice lil vid Simon! nice to see the weather warming up in your neck of the woods as well. Thanks for keeping us entertained, look forward to the next one. Oh yea, my new Openel #8 gave me a small cut today as i was sharpening it! It was really sharp out of the box, but had a bur on one side, so as i was honing it, i just touched the blade, and bingo! Blood on the knife, and sharpening stone!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate! Not just me then hahaha! Hope you enjoy your Opinel! 👍

[@jeremynorman5329]

Excellent again. Until I started using sticks and walking poles I really did not believe how they can take pressure off your knees, plus of course, if there are two of you, your thumb sticks can provide support for your tarp.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I’ve recently converted to using poles - not all the time, but when my knee flares up or when going down hill (obviously not here in our county!!!) they make a huge difference to to My knees which used to suffer badly! 👍😁

[@irameslisboa6418]

Good one Simon

[@kjonesy4142]

Nicely done, mate!

[@GraysOutdoors]

Great one. Did exactly the same to my thumb last week.

[@mtnman4766]

Great little project to teach youngsters carving and knife safety 😝! I have a young protege I’m going to use this with as a beginning project. Thanks!

[@lawrencemartin6041]

Lovely. If the fork at the top of your chosen stick is strong enough, you can often improve comfort for your thumb by slightly hollowing the inner surface of each side of the fork. It stops bruising and blisters if you use it for a long walk. BTW....my personal rule from tedious past experience: "If you pack a blade, always pack first aid". A little saying I came up with having found myself in similar situations. Now I never go anywhere when carrying a bladed tool without the minimum of a basic first aid kit. The bigger the tools, the more comprehensive the human repair kit....up to a point of course! Thanks for another nice film Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Laurence! That’s a neat little saying to help remember it! I normally carry first aid in my possibles pouch and that generally goes everywhere with me!! Not sure why I didn’t bring it this time! Lesson learnt!

[@benjidoowood1413]

nice one, thankyou

[@syncrosimon]

Watching it now👍👍👍

[@brentweigelt5365]

You Rock Simon!!! I always learn something from your videos!!! ;P

[@philipwallis5587]

Loving the video Simon.. something a little bit different...I don't have any carving knives but will improvise with a Stanley knife and make me one of them there sticks...😀😀👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That’ll do the job just fine! 👍😁

[@markdale8301]

Cool. Fancy some carving and that looks a good place to start.

[@richardcolgate7243]

Great vid bud, Ur a talented fella I'm gonna get my kids to watch this one and let them make it, I'm sure they will love creating one, And yes, first aid will be at hand 👍

[@jacqueline7118]

Will have to give that a whirl, very nice stick. I have no hazel in my neck of the woods but maybe maple might do the trick. Thanks for sharing your carving project!

[@thizizliz]

I've never heard of a thumb stick but it's the perfect name for it. Really nice spiral too - thank you. Hope your thumb heals without issue.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! It’s healing up, slowly!

[@RM-io7qo]

Awesome video and a stunning thumb stick, a great project for working on out in the woods. Take care...(With thumbs and fingers in mind ;))

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Great video as always. I would love to see it in another video as a finished product! I may try this, it would make a great companion for my daughter. Thanks Simon!

[@CLFaerber]

thank you, Simon

[@deanlear6017]

I made one of those with my dad when I was a kid :) great fun.

[@angelakm6753]

Looks a nice thumb stick :)

[@matthewbradbury2259]

Simon again lovely video, nice little change from the hiking and camping. Look forward to the next one.

[@tomasmalmros6091]

Another great project. Nice work. Give Maggie a god Pet, she is so beatiful and at peace in the woods. Best regards from South Sweden

[@RideToHistory]

I hope you pop back to that beautiful spot when the bluebells flower!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It’s gorgeous when they’re out! Not long now. 😃

[@michaelhardy473]

hello great vid i like playing with knives i found a pine closet pole to day and i wanted to try to carve a spiral im gonna try with my buck 110 so thangs for showing how

[@jamesmorris8243]

Over 60 likes in less then 30min. Excellent work Simon. It's always awesome to watch your vids. It's 7am here in Australia and I have been up all night after watching your vid (5 months ago) "Make it" ultra light wood stove. I even went to Aldi to use the same components. I thoroughly enjoy your vids and already look forward to the next.

[@jeremynorman5329]

Simon has now made me spend hours in supermarkets looking and sizing up tins !!!

[@jamesmorris8243]

Hi Jeremy, I know that feeling all too well. I started making my own when my local camp store had no idea what a Honey stove or a firebox was..

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks James! Yes, spent many happy hours ignoring odd sideward glances from other shoppers, offering up various tins and containers to one another and trying to picture whether they’ll work!! Hahaha. Good luck with the stove mate!