How to Make a Hiking Staff - a Complete Guide

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Watch this video to see how I use my hiking staff kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3qZhnSVdriIbck

[@BrockGrimes]

Well done, appreciate the time it took to make this video.

[@glennclarke9787]

Mark, do you have a video which shows you attaching a Lynyrd to a staff. Many thanks Glenn, have a great day 👍

[@lonecar144]

how do i debug or get bugs out of a project stick? or is it possible get bugs out of a stick

[@CandC68]

I used to refinish gun stocks. And we did something we called whisking. When the wood was bare, smooth, and ready to start adding finish, we would wipe it down with water. Dampening the surface. Then let it dry. This would bring up small fuzz that had not been sanded off, but not visible. When dry we would re-sand. One or two whiskings and no more fuzz. Then we would start applying the finish. So, maybe this step could go before your linseed oil.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

When I was very young my father taught me this method as well (on an old Cooey 22) . We used broken window glass to scrape, then apply boiling water to raise the grain. Thanks for commenting

[@georgerutherford5416]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft l

[@tonyhedgewolf]

My knife-making mentor teaches this method too. Never knew it had a name though, thanks!

[@Mr.eTrain007]

AKA “Water Popping” Thanks for great video!

[@TheEffoff]

I do this on cutting boards. Works like dream.

[@joeydupre6153]

I'm from South Louisiana and swampy areas are common. I tend to use rubber knee boots quite often. I made a mark on the bottom my staff 1" shorter than the tops of my boots. When probing ahead of me, I can easily tell if the water is too deep.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Love it. Great tip. Thanks for commenting

[@HUSTLE_MONEY]

Not only do I love the presentation but I love the commenters, knowledgeable, polite; real gentlemen.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@christopherneelyakagoattmo6078]

Polite, mature crowd, my man.

[@cordellkent4790]

Mark, great video. Great viewer contributions as well. Mate, I’m Australian. I was taught a lot of Aboriginal ways (my heritage) ways of straightening spear shafts. My mob (ancestors) made spears that were about 8ft long. It’s hard to find straight natural shafts that long. What the ancestors did, while the wood was freshly cut, they would have a small ash and coals fore going. In that they would have a rounded ‘flattish’ rock in the coals. They would pull the hot rock out of the coals and holding the raw shaft horizontal to the ground with a bend in the shaft facing down to the rock. Then weight was applied to the shaft over the rock and the shaft will bend straighter. Noticed the ‘er’. This is repeated until the shaft is dead straight. It’s not hard, but can be time consuming. The benefit is that shaft maintains is original diameter and hence forth not weakened. It works.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, I was aware of that technique. It is used by our aboriginals as well. I had considered using it with the maple staff I discarded but by the time I got to it, it was dry. I may try it on the next one I make. Thanks for commenting

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Well done Mark! When I was leaving the Ranger Battalion, I was presented an intricately carved and stained walking staff (I used one quite often as a Pre-Ranger School Instructor) - it remains one of my cherished items! For using the staff to support a tarp, I bought a small rubber ball (heavy duty dog toy is both smaller and stronger than a tennis ball) and cut a hole in it for the staff, I found this to help prevent damaging my tarps.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A true keepsake for sure. I would hate to use it in the woods. You need to make a beater😉. The tennis ball idea is great. Thanks for commenting

[@WeazelJaguar]

Wonderful video, thanks for posting! I love the idea of using the 3/4" copper end cap on the bottom. I got lazy in finding my staff, while paddling in the Nirthern Niagara swamps, I picked up a perfect staff, already cut down with the bark stripped by tge local beaver population! The teeth marks look great, so I will not be sanding them out. I also used a 3/8's lag bolt screwed into the end, with the head ground off, into a point! Now all it needs is the strap and a nice protective finish! Thanks again!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I used to have a beaver-chew stick. Long gone now. I need to find a new one for the look. Thanks for commenting

[@rpan5441]

Although a bit longer, it was worth every second to watch. Very well explained with tricks of the trade, precautions and good oratory skills. A soldering iron can burn proverbial words of wisdom. Great video to watch. Will catch up on more.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words. Based on a suggestion from another viewer, I have been considering adding measurements using a soldering iron or wood burning iron

[@matthewlentz6008]

Hey Mark great video. I made a walking stick when I was about 15. Had it ever since I used B.L. oil and a rubber stopper for canes as the base. It goes along with almost every trip. Excellent. For going off trail getting up steep hills and going down. It's a childhood momento that could never be replaced.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. I love that a stick with that amount of years carries so many memories. Thanks for commenting

[@brinaldoramziski976]

Excellent video. Clearly explained and not drawn out. Everything you need to know.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@Pedenzo]

Another use for a walking stick is to use it to telegraph your presence to any close by animals. If you drop your stick from 4 or 5 inches onto any rock on your path it makes a pretty good racket. I told my Granddaughter that it would scare away any rattle snakes ( it does) and now she spends more time looking for rocks to whack than she does hiking.... :-)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting use for a stick. Had not thought of that. We do not have any poisonous snakes to worry about and only black bears, coyotes and the occasional cougar for predators. Thanks for commenting

[@phild8095]

I aggravated a bunch of wasps living under a bridge one time with my staff.

[@irieknit]

This is how you do it with emphasis, a khakkhara: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khakkhara

[@rodneyadderton1077]

@@phild8095 sounds like something I would do. Hehe

[@tzekubbaloyan1613]

@@irieknit muchas gracias! Cdmx Mexico

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I started out using a hiking staff in large part due it's doubling as a camera monopod. However over time I have learned to really appreciate the advantages of using it for walking for many if not all the same reasons that you have given in this video. I appreciate that axtra balance support when navigating off trail in severe terrain. I also appreciate the extra support when walking slippery muddy terrain especially uphill and downhill since I prefer a boot type with minimal tread.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hi Lonnie. My staff has saved my butt many times. Its other uses are a bonus. Thanks for commenting

[@PaintedskiesRankin]

I am very pleased with this video I have begun making a Walkingstick will refer back to this. Thank you so much greetings from Central Mississippi, USA.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@RonaldLofgren]

Great video. Thank you. I've made a few walking sticks just from limbs that came down from trees in our yard. I used a draw knife to remove the bark and smooth out (somewhat) the knots. I don't remember doing anything else to prep the wood, so mine looks somewhat more "rustic" as a result, but it still works well. I had some tung oil left over from an earlier project and used it--I agree it makes a great choice. I wrapped paracord around the top for a handle (my tree limb was a little thinner than the branch you used), and sized the bottom so I could use a replacement rubber crutch tip. It has saved me from falling many times over the years.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I find once I started using a staff, I never go without. Saved my bacon more than a few times. Thanks for commenting

[@CHUKDEPHATTE]

This was a fantastic video Mark. First time watcher suddenly had the inclination to make a hiking staff. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting

[@wendellhagg3511]

Excellent Video. Made many myself, canes and walking sticks. More fun than you can imagine and very useful for sure. Having had four hip replacements on one side over the course of 50 years, a scencivitjy for others and their needs given many away !! Thank you for sharing !! H.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am inspired that you keep getting out into the woods. Staff make great gifts for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@nwithyman]

I'd like to congratulate you Mark on this excellent video. It is one of the clearest and detailed explanation of the way you go about making a hiking pole from start to finish. Very watchable!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting

[@stephenlines9431]

Hi Mark. I'm amazed at how many different and conflicting 'Golden Rules' there are in the making of walking sticks, hiking poles etc. Here in the UK walking sticks are predominantly made from coppiced Hazel. The bark is preserved and much prized as a decorative feature for the stick. Your hiking pole by contrast starts by debarking, and using totally different woods. I guess it's down to making the best use of what you've got. Rather like eating seasonal produce? But what a wonderful world we live in! That so much skill and love can be put into producing such useful but relatively mundane items with so many different materials, working methods and adornments. And they all seem to rock! Thanks for sharing, and I look forward to more in the future. Stay strong!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have learned there is no one way to do or make many things. As you say, different materials and different methods can still produce a useful and enjoyable end product. Thanks for commenting

[@jasongentle6446]

I’ve made few walking staffs and walking sticks when we were in lockdown enjoyed making them 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇨🇦👍👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It can be very relaxing and rewarding. Thanks for commenting

[@kurtmckelvey6434]

We have a lot of ceder in Arkansas and Texas where I'm from ! I also use linseed oil and polyurethane !!! Loved the video keep em coming !!!! 🤨

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Lots of cedar in Canada but strangely, not in Nova Scotia. Thanks for commenting

[@jimamccracken5783]

Greeting s from USA West Virginia is where I live. Like the way you present your videos. Clear and very well spoken. We have Maple here also. This I am in my 70s and I do hike quiet a bit. Have a great year.😁😁😁😁

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Keep on hiking brother. Thanks for commenting

[@bristolfashion4421]

Thanks for all the detail and info 😊 I have an ash pole that's been drying for a year now and I’m about to start preparing it to make it into a nice walking staff.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Ash will make a great staff for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@i0am0not0a0number]

great tutorial and great to see someone promoting the staff. I have used a staff for decades but I can't seem to convince others of the advantages. I regularly hike/climb steep mountains and I do find a long pole best the steeper the terrain. Being able to reach down slope and find a stable support point has kept me safe many times. In rocky terrain I like a carbide tip. I like to make tips from 1/4" carbide end mills or drill bits. I break the end of the carbide off and epoxy the tip in 1/4" hole drilled in the end of the staff. The carbide fractures over time but that just makes it bite rock better and after it wears down it is easy to extract and renew.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. I would find it much harder to hike without one. Using the drill bit as a carbide point on the end is an interesting idea. Thanks for commenting

[@srf2112]

When clearing land and building my house in the rainforest jungle on the Big Island my most important safety tool was my Koa hiking staff. The dense foliage made it impossible to even see the ground often and I used it to probe ahead for holes and lava tubes. It saved me more than once.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great story. Not something I would think about. Thanks for commenting

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

Nice work Mark :) I got into making hiking staffs during the first UK lockdown in 2020, and have really got into it (mine are mainly ash, but I've made a couple from willow), making them for friends and their kids, as well as myself. I really find them a big help when hiking, they're so useful. I had to fend off aggressive sheep once! :D A tool I've found really useful is a Chisel Knife (mine is a Hultafors). I usually use a couple of coats of sanding sealer, and multiple coats of Danish oil, but I also use linseed oil, linseed oil, and wax. I sometimes counter-sink a compass into the top, and I've also made them to use as camera monopods.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Love the ideas. I find I get into carving projects quite often. Have you tried spoon carving yet?

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thanks Mark, I haven't tried spoon-carving. Maybe I should give it a try. I do enjoy working with wood, it's something I used to do a lot of when I was young, but neglected in favour of other things as I got older, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed making the hiking staffs :)

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Loved Your Tips For This Mark ! Nothing More Theroputic Than Crafting A Hiking Staff, Made Many Over The Years & Gifted Them To Friends. Thanks ! ATB T God Bless

[@californiasun5866]

Hi! Mark: I enjoyed this video. I have made a number of hiking staffs myself. And I would say there is no wrong way to make one. Everyone is free to do it the way they want. So my suggestions are only to show how I have done it. I've made all of my staffs from local native woods. I like White Bark Birch, it is a straight grain wood. Strong and easy to work with. But I have also used False Cherry, Russian Olive, and Arizona Cypress, to name a few. The Russian Olive had some knots that didn't knock off as expected. When the knots came out, some extra grain seemed to be part of the knot. Which then left a tapered groove leading away from where the knot had been. It would have meant a lot of work to fill in all the torn out knots. So I just left them, and smoothed them over some. They are part of the character of my Russian Olive staffs. And in reality I try to choose limbs of all types of wood that are less than straight. Thus each one has it's own personality. One I used a lot has a rather huge bow in the lower half. I'm sure most anyone would reject it as unworthy for use as a hiking staff. But that bow turned out to be very functional. When climbing over logs or large rocks that bow reached closer to bottom edge of the item being crossed. Where a straight staff would have been waving in the air unable to reach the ground beyond. I started out using all hand tools to make my staffs. A maximum coarse rasp to remove the bark and rough shaping. I followed that with a medium coarse half round 10 inch file. But it didn't take much sanding before I opted to use a power palm sander for final shaping and finishing. I like your copper cap on the end. But rather than the cement screw, I would install a 1/4-20 threaded male insert. You can then screw in a 1/4-20 hanger bolt, which gives you a sharp point for icy and slippery places. They are only mild steel. But every hardware store stocks them if you wear one out. You can find carbide or tungsten tips at hiking/ climbing outfitters. You showed a wrist loop on one staff. But it seemed to be mounted too high to me. And too long. I've done wrist loops two ways. I've figure out just where I want the loop on the staff, then drilled a hole clear through the staff. I made the loop just large enough to easily slip on and off the wrist. Yet you want to control the staff if you fall in a moving stream. You want the staff to still be with you, when you get to where you can stand. Then you just reach below your wrist and the staff will still be there for you to take hold. The other way I've made a grip and wrist loop, is to wrap braided cord where you want the grip handle, usually below the shoulder but above your elbow. Be sure and secure the ends of the cording through a loop under the last few wraps of cord. The wrist loop can be separate and held in place under the wraps of the handle, or it can be part of the handle all wrapped from a single length of cord. You need to have done some cord wrapping to understand. I'd give you more detail but I've wrapped nearly every staff handle differently, from one job to the next. I haven't found a favorite way to do handles yet. Every staff I make I try to do it some new way. If you figure the length of your staff to the proper height, you can then install a 1/4-20 threaded insert on the top end. Then use a 1/4-20 stud to install a quick release camera mount. Then when out hiking your staff can be a nice mono-pod for shooting sharp outdoor scenes. With the camera mount removed you can use the 1/4-20 stud to attach your tent or tarp to. I'll be watching your other hiking staff video next. Thanks Again!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

So many types of wood, so many ways of making it. I really like the 1/4" 20 thread idea for top and bottom. Thanks for commenting

[@burdellhillquist9252]

8😅😅😅

[@courierdog1941]

Mark, finally got to try out the staff. Makes a huge difference for my Urban walks with the dogs. The hand hold portion needs to be 2 in or 50 mm for my large hands. The current 1.25 inches is far to small and my hands felt very cramped by the time I got home. the Tung oil is just an excellent idea and you're so right the grip is excellent. Now I have to adjust the length for my Urban Walks as well, a little shorter I will cut it down in 2 inch increments until I get is to approximate length. Thanks for all the tips.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Sounds good. I did a wrap on one of my first sticks that was too thin. It helped but I ended up epoxying it in place to keep it from moving. I also find I use most of the top half of a stick when hiking and going up and down over obstacles so a wrap is not much of an advantage

[@countryboy40701]

I Enjoyed The Video, Thank You For Sharing. One Thing I Do In Addition To All You Presented, I Personalize My Staffs Along The Side Near The Bottom Cap Before Appling Any Finish. First Initial, Last Name, Month & Year. I Started Down This Staff Making "Trail" Back In May Of 1985.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

That's a great idea! Thanks for commenting

[@savage22bolt32]

Yesterday I was *thinking* about making a hiking staff. So you tube recommended this video...

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Scary isn't it? Thanks for commenting

[@savage22bolt32]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft PS, I watched your vid, start to finish. Very well done!

[@Gazzaivey]

Thanks Mark for your video . I too am embarking on this journey of staff making . It is so good for interacting with the walking community and making new friends aswell. I wish you all the best . from Hampsire , England , UK 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good luck with your staff making journey. Thanks for commenting

[@metaldog88]

Hey Mark, I am about to embark in making my own hiking sticks here in the UK. I live in a beautiful forest full of native trees. Your video has been invaluable in giving me the confidence to go ahead. Well done!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@moorejl57]

Great job on the weight loss, there is nothing better you can do for you health. I enjoyed watching the process for making the staff, especially the copper tip with a bolt idea.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you on both accounts

[@stevesmith9403]

I made one from iron wood and left the crotch at the top. It’s amazing for climbing hills by grabbing small trees or reaching and recovering items out of reach. I also used open flame to darken the staff before the finish. Nice video Mark 😀

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A friend has an unfinished ironwood staff that he has been using almost daily for ten years. It has taken on its own "patina". Other than being heavy, it is the best wood by far. Thanks for commenting

[@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Of which Ironwood species?

[@emulare1110]

Ah, a fellow sugar maple enthusiast. Such a lovely wood!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, it's a beautiful wood to work with. Thanks for commenting

[@dennisdanich7190]

Nice video Mark, the staff sling in Medieval times was a deadly weapon as it launched fist sized rocks a hundred yards.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Truly multifunctional. Thanks for commenting

[@jeffreyhall838]

Nice stick! I will use many of your tips on my next stick. thanks for sharing

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@Olyphoto7]

Cool project Mark. I’ve got a project staff I’ve been working with on and off for a few years. It’s super hard wood with a few detailed carvings. My main hiking staff is shorter than I would like but I’ve had it for over 40 years. I used shoe goo and a similar bolt to protect the bottom. It has a nice bend for a had grip. I’ve never used a treatment on the wood other than decades of natural oils from my hand. Thanks for sharing the copper piece which I will add to my project staff.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A friend uses an ironwood staff he has never applied finish to. It has dark "hand patina" to give it character. Thanks for commenting

[@danielfrancione3710]

ThankYou Mark Young: I have always wanted to make my own Hiking Staff. I Truly didn't know weir to Start Your Video has helped BigTime, I will follow you as of today 2/20/24 Very very very Nice, Did I say very nice.😂 Boston Massachusetts

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it "nice"😉! Thanks for commenting neighour

[@papajeff5486]

Good morning, Mark. Thanks for sharing your perspective and understanding of the walking staff. Your instructions were clear and easy to follow. I too enjoy a good staff for walking and have made a few over the years. Found a discarded Christmas tree in Germany with many limbs/knots. After sanding, I used brown Kiwi shoe polish for the finish. Did the same thing with a locus stick when in Honduras. It had multiple angles and knots, but strong and relatively straight. Found a nice, straight Hickory pole, deer hunting, in East Tennessee. We make a fair group of outdoorsmen who walk. Our sticks, like our kits, are light, strong and have multiple uses. Thanks for sharing. Notice behind me is a sow with three cubs, up a persimmon tree, in Cades Cove, in the Smokies. I wish you well. Kentucky

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Wow, great stories to go with each of your sticks. Thanks for commenting

[@irieknit]

Very grateful for your video. You have helped answer questions I had in refining my Christmas tree distaff, and for this sudden interest in spindle carving. I can even think about hiking in reasonable terms.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@dandavis2755]

Great stuff. I am getting older and need one of these for hiking. I have hiking poles but I think it would much more fun to have one of these. I picked some sticks up from a tree I trimmed so I am ready to start on my first one.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Be carful. It can be an addictive hobby😉. Thanks for commenting

[@courierdog1941]

Mark, T.he more I work on this staff the more I have to go back to my childhood and the lessons learned. the blades in both the Plane and the spoke shave are not square, nor are they sharpened to the correct angle. The wood rasp works but it does not work the way I think it should. Other forums recommend using a scraper, I turned the rasp on an edge and promptly the rasp became a scraper which removes the inner bark with greater ease than any method I have tried so far. Once all bark layers are removed then the rasp is able to bite on the wood of the staff in progress. Taking my time, and learning how to do east task is like discovering something new, no it is going back to my childhood in Nova Scotia and remembering the things taught to me at a young age. Finding someone like you from down home make a significant difference.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words. I have "cabinet scrappers" I use when I get my wood projects close to where I want them. They will provide a very smooth surface. Growing up, my father taught me to use broken glass as a scrapper for refinishing wood. That also worked well. I am keen to hear how your project goes. Thanks for commenting

[@stevenfairless4931]

Thanks for the copper tip idea ... we live on a brook with beaver and they leave a nice pattern when debarking limbs. We make a few canoe trips on nice days during winter and usually find a few ... there have been some very unusually nice ones over the years

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, that would make a good looking stick for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@davidmt23]

Making my first staff at the mo, waiting for it to dry watching vids and getting tips and ideas, nice film cheers

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hardest part is waiting for it to dry. Thanks for commenting

[@metaldetectingwithlugnut]

Good video. I use a drawknife and a rasp to debark/clean my sticks. It gives me more control over the process. Like some of the other commenters, I put a rubber foot on my sticks so they grab where you place them and are quieter.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

A rubber foot makes a lot of sense in some areas. For me, in winter, the spike helps a lot. Thanks for commenting

[@johnbesharian9965]

Fortuitous timing, on my part in running across your now year old video, as I'm in the process of making a staff to replace the one I'd inherited from my ex-roommate that "Turned up missing" after I left it next to the dumpster a few months ago. Shortly after that we had a wind storm and I salvaged some limbs from a giant cedar and a sycamore that are out front and have just now gotten around to turning a 5' sycamore limb section into a 4'5½" walking staff - I'm 5'10", but it works for me. I used the wood working hand tools I had handy in "The Little Shop", as I call it, and it went well. Now I'm almost ready to apply a finish and was debating as to which oil finish, Tung or Linseed, (boiled or not) to use. I appreciate the insight as to why you chose what you did and will give it serious consideration.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found it helpful. Would love to try sycamore. Thanks for commenting

[@timneely946]

Wonderfully entertaining and informative videos; thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. I do have a question however regarding the removal of the inner bark. Is there a technical reason for its removal or is it a matter of aesthetics? Again, many thanks Mark.

[@george1984]

I have been working in the outdoor industry for many years and have used many aluminum alloy trekking poles. But wooden trekking poles offer better defense against wild beasts and memory. Great video.In addition, it is very important that the tips of modern brand-name trekking poles are made of tungsten. Because steel is too soft, it will slip on rocks.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for this. I have collapsible aluminum and carbon trekking poles that are much lighter but I don't find them as versatile or trustworthy

[@gregorymckoy3179]

Great video! Thanks for the step by step instructions! I am planning to make a few for family but, needed to fill in a few holes in my knowledge on drying and finishing. Thanks for the great advice!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@Buggapanda]

Now I want to make me a good hiking stick. Sealing the ends while drying was a really interesting point, and the finishing oil you used seems to give the grip I was looking for but never got with linseed. I saw in a video a guy texturing the grip area of a wood handled knife by pressing the teeth of a medium-fine rasp into the wood, looked functional and easy to make, I might try that as well

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have cord wrapped other sticks in the past. I found I do not like it as much as a clean staff. If you don't like what ever you do to the staff, you can always sand it off. Thanks for commenting

[@greyben777]

Thank you for a great video. Just started making my first walking staff and your video provided some great advice for me

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@courierdog1941]

Mark, I live in Edmonton, AB, however I was born and raised in Halifax. I miss living there a great deal. My youngest sister moved back to Nova Scotia when she retired. If it were not for my wife need the dry climate here I would never had moved here. Here I have available Poplar wood which grows like a weed, along side of the garage. I am using a plane to remove the branch nubs and generally remove the bark and smooth the surface. In my case it is for urban walking with the dogs, especially in the winter, (October - May) snow season. I like your simplistic approach, the ground time is quite a practical approach. From my time in the Boy Scouts in the Waverly, Bedford, Dartmouth area I had been thinking of a longer staff, but with your suggestions I have been working through and I suspect your more simple approach may well be much more practical, and lighter as well. I will look for a future staff with a much larger ball end for my large hands. Also thanks for the reminder about boiled Linseed Oil and a finish coat of tung oil. I much prefer and oiled finish, I took a lot of criticism when I scrapped the varnish stock on my rifle and gave it a light coat of boiled Linseed oil. I still prefer its appearance, and it is easy to care for.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I did try using a plane but found it a bit harder to do than using the rasp. Probably because I had not clamped it into something. Simple is good and has its own appeal. Thanks for commenting

[@greyscout01]

Appreciate the video. Especially your explanation of the different oils, how to use them, and why. Good stuff. (Down here in Florida swamp country, finding the right wood seems to be a bit more challenging.) Thanks.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I imagine it is. Not sure what would make a good staff for you. Thanks for commenting

[@artawhirler]

Excellent video! There are many staff-making videos on KZbin but this is the best one I've seen! I make these too and do it about the same way you do. Most of mine are buckthorn, but I also have one ironwood staff too. Like you, I leave mine basically plain without any fancy carving or wrapping. But I live in a city, so instead of the metal point like you have, I use a rubber tip like you see on canes, crutches, etc. I don't use glue, but just whittle the end down until it's the right size (about one inch) and then just jam the stick into the tip by pushing it against the floor. They never come off! The advantage of a rubber tip in the city is that you can use them indoors whereas a metal tip would scratch up the floors. Once more, thanks again for this great video!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I like you way of adding the rubber tip. It would be good to be able to have a metal tip like mine but be able to add a rubber tip over it for when you don't want the metal exposed. Thanks for commenting

[@vvogt4252]

Great Video on Walking Staff. I have one I need to work on. Thanks for making this one. Have a Great Weekend.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting

[@bobcobb99]

Thank you for sharing. So many good tips. The homemade tip is genius!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@richardrhodes9552]

Hey, Mark, I just discovered your channel and am enjoying your videos immensely. I especially enjoyed this one, as making hiking staves, etc. is one of my retirement hobbies. Great to see a local guy on here!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Where are you located?

[@richardrhodes9552]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Fundy Shore, about an hour from Hfx.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

@@richardrhodes9552 Good to meet you neighbour

[@richardrhodes9552]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Same here.

[@josephmartin1540]

I use the copper pipe caps, too! I have thought of using concrete screws, but normally just file the end of the staff to fit tightly and just use some Gorilla glue. Haven't had one to lose yet, anyway! GREAT video teacher! Good job and thank you!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words. I find the concrete screw helps when it gets icy and slows wear on the cap from all the exposed granite in my area.

[@viewsandreviews180]

Great presentation and explanation as usual. I especially like your solution to the high cost of end caps. I’ve made a few walking staffs over the years. There’s one thing I would suggest when choosing a stick; occasionally a bend in the wood can be advantageous to using the finished staff. One staff I made has a bend that makes it quite ergonomic to use on relatively level land (almost as though I planned it that way) and it doesn’t seem to compromise the strength of the staff. Thank you for posting this presentation.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good point on having a staff with a bend in it. Most of the time it happens naturally for me anyway. Thanks for commenting

[@jamesbrown9736]

Another thing I would add would be witness rings from the bottom to about 3/4 from the top at one foot intervals (10 cm in your case😎). These can be used in many ways where measuring is required such as tracking etc. Great video. I was impressed by the seasonal change from start to finish 😉

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The measuring rings are a great suggestion. Thanks for commenting

[@r.mageddon3385]

Incredibly detailed and informative. Thanks for sharing your methods.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@courierdog1941]

Mark, I use the Spoke shave is to remove the knots and even out the staff, where you use a long heavy knife and while you work out side, I work in my basement, at -18C I am just not as hardy as some.. I have a Tormek for my sharpening requirements, having a Sharp blade regardless of task makes the job so much easier. I am surprise how hard the Poplar wood really is. As the wood dries out in the basement the wood is noticeably harder.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Poplar is quite light as well. I need to get a spoke shave. Thanks for commenting

[@crookmcstealie]

I saw a comment about whacking rocks to scare snakes away. It reminded me of the khakkhara, a kind of staff I read about when I was young. Hermits in Japan and China used them, it's a staff with several metal rings dangling at the top. The noise it made would alert animals like bears and large cats so they wouldn't be surprised and attack. You may enjoy looking them up, I saw you replied you had black bears, the staff does all the noise making for you. I am enjoying your videos, definitely subscribing.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

That is a great suggestion. The black bears I have run into are more often running the other way but I have come up on them by surprise and that is where it can be tricky. Thanks for commenting

[@charlesschauberger6700]

I enjoyed your video. You have many good ideas. I've had good luck with willow. It is light, but strong and has some flex to it to absorb the shock and decrease the strain with all-day use. If you select diamond willow, you can accentuate the diamonds to make the stick appear very rustic. Thanks for your good work.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I have looked for diamond willow but have not found any yet. Thanks for commenting

[@brucematys8597]

Keto has done wonders for you my friend. I picked up a 7' Bamboo pole about 1 and1/4" round from Dollarama a few years ago with the idea of making a survival staff. I was able to find one straight and no linear cracks. Used to rubber chair leg end for the bottom, but now think I will try the copper end and concrete screw as I have quite a few. I cut it down to around 55". The top is hollow for approximately 6" which I used a rubberized tube cap from refrigeration tubing. I have filled the hollow with a variety of survival items and lightly scraped of the varnish and applied linseed oil. I will now look at getting some tung oil after watching this video. Its very light, strong and comfortable to use. Cheers Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Keto it is. Feel great. I like what you have done with your staff. Well thought out. Thanks for commenting

[@zombiehunter0000]

Thanks Mark I put some ranger beeds on top .and inserted a compas it's iron wood copper on bottom helps to keep it from splitting .thanks a bunch for your videos .

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting additions. I like the compass idea a lot. Thanks for commenting

[@AvoidingChores]

Good rundown Mark, I had discarded a bunch of wood I had dried before moving to the new house last year, I had a lot of nice pieces, was following most of your steps. Your staffs look pretty good.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Jim. Good to hear from you. Loving the side by side videos you are making. Thanks for commenting

[@phillipmatthews148]

Hi Mark,thank you l was very interested and really enjoyed watching the way you make your staves, I like to make them and also other types of walking sticks

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

They are functional and rewarding to make. Thanks for commenting

[@courierdog1941]

Mark, I did find a spokeshave works far better than my plane. I cannot find my 4 - 1 Rasp. I did however use oil to seal the ends of the staff in progress, no paint available at the moment. While I have my doubts about the Poplar Wood, it is what I have available. As I have begun work on it it is bring back many memories of my summers in Nova Scotia, especially one summer on a farm in Middle Musquodoboit, plus the many hours tramping through the woods near Waverly. We have an old hermit who had a small gold mine he operated. Many other memories of my child hood in Nova Scotia.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great memories for sure. Try using a mix of linseed oil and mineral spirits to help it soak further into the wood. This should help strengthen the wood some. Thanks for commenting

[@davidmiller8615]

Thanks for an excellent video. I’m definitely gonna use the tung oil.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@JohnnyHildebrand1969]

A walking staff is also great for checking the next step for snakes and other critters. Thanks for a great and informative video. God bless.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Absolutely!Thanks for commenting

[@stanwright8583]

The iron wood we have in Hawaii is very heavy... but super straight. One hiking stick I made is the diameter of my little finger, but is by far the heaviest of all my hiking staffs.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, we have ironwood here as well. Not sure if it is the same tree but it is supper strong as well. Thanks for commenting

[@johnjude2685]

Great DIY and the finishing steps Great 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting

[@apsynto]

Very much enjoyed your video and learned something new. Thanks! I'll be trying this when i find a suitable piece of wood

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Looking for the right stick is part of the enjoyment for me. Thanks for commenting

[@Errzman]

Thank you very much for putting this video out there! I just finished a couple walking sticks, an ash branch from a freshly fallen dying tree using a copper reducer coupling to try and make it more of an "alpine spike" shape. I figured i could always cut it down further and try again if that experiment fails! I did make a second one out of a 60 inch hardwood "quikie" broom handle from the orange store that I got for 11$CDN. There was only one with straight grain in the shelf of 15 of them though! they seem like they would be lousy broom handles, but i figured 11$ for a 60"~ hardwood dowel wasn't terrible. Cut off the end with the metal ferrule and all I had to do was file a little bit to have a super snug fit with the copper end cap. After stripping off the weird brown stain that was applied with a card scraper, I sanded it down to 320 grit and threw some boiled linseed oil wax from allback. I can't be sure what kind of wood it is (i think the handles are made in brazil) but the wood looks really amazing! The grain really pops out and there are really nice red and even blue tones throughout, kinda like a mix between maple and poplar. Anyways, thanks again for these videos! :D

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great thinking on making the stick long enough to cut down if you need to. I have shied away from broom sticks for fear that they may be cut across the grain, making them less strong. Yours sounds like it turned out great. Thanks for commenting

[@Dydeeo]

A very thorough and helpful video. I've used raw linseed oil on handles and staffs. It takes longer to dry but gives a very solid finish with decent grip. BLO has some chemicals in it to speed drying that I don't want.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I can understand that. I use BLO on my base layers and pure tong oil to finish for that reason. Thanks for commenting

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

I used a thick rosewood stick from my garden. In use for more than 8 years now. Very strong. The top is made from a burl of apple tree and provides a bigger smooth surface to lean on.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I like the sound of that. Thanks for commenting

[@Warrior6504]

I’m lucky to have planted a hazel in my garden when my son was born and he’s 17 now and it throws off some nice straight branches. I’ve made him a walking stick with a barley twist and a wood nymph face I carved into it. I’m going to make a staff next with a snake carving on it. I harvested mine and took the bark off and left it for a year in the rafters of my garage to dry. Hazel is a really nice wood to work with and it’s strong and not many knots.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am envious as we do not have hazel here (we have witch hazel which is completely different). Thanks for commenting

[@steamboatmodel]

Hi Mark I like your use of a copper fitting and cement screw for a shaft end, I found some brass caps similar in size to your fitting and drilled a hole in the end and soldered in a brass bushing that takes a 1/4-20 thread and used inserts from a broken tripod, which gave me a spike and a rubber tip.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great solution for your issue. Worth considering. Thanks for commenting

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

Good tutorial and great info. I prefer bamboo as it is lighter than any of these. You can cure any wood faster by making a mini greenhouse (2x2x8') making sure it has good ventilation.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Would like to try bamboo but it does not grow here. Thanks for the drying tip. Thanks for commenting

[@markelvarona1017]

Precisely the information I needed, keep it up!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@hogue3666]

Awesome stuff. Thanks for all the great information and for sharing your experiences.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@NZview]

I find a small hand 2-sided blade billhook does the best job at de-barking lengths of green wood poles. Also use it for working hazel rods for hurdles.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have not tried working with a billhook. Will have to see if I can find one. Thanks for commenting

[@unstoppablewildflower]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom 🌞

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@unstoppablewildflower]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft 😁

[@russelllieser4226]

Another great video. What a fun project.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Very satisfying as well. Thanks for commenting

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Mark, good stuff mate. yep plenty of variations alright. I have seen a patterned one, done with hot copper wire, looked fantastic and aided the grip too. I always retain a short fork on the top end, to pin a snake head if necessary, lotta nasty ones here, haven't had to do it yet, but been close a couple of times. Cheers Duke

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great features. We are fortunate we have no poisonous snakes. Thanks for commenting

[@chazdomingo475]

About 20 years ago I pulled a sapling out of the creek that a beaver had cut and debarked. No idea what the tree was, but it's a solid old stick. Only work I put into it was a little whittling and sanding to get rid of the rough bits and then give it a coat of walnut oil and bake it in the sun every few years.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Nice. I had one like that as a youth. The beaver chews add to the character. Thanks for commenting

[@thedaddechannel]

What a great all-around video. Thank you, sir.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting

[@geraldmethven8478]

excellent video,very informative and well presented. thank you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@StephenYuill]

I use an all wood hockey stick for hiking. The blade comes in real handy to clear areas for a footprint, to clear snow wear you want to camp, and you can use the blade to hook on to and bring down branches for apples, etc.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@damplk]

Amazing video - Well done, Mark!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting

[@ralphwelsman9989]

Morning Mark greeting from Wiltshire in the UK. Funny, I was in the hardware store this very morning and I picked up a wooden staff looking for something to make a hole for my makeshift selfie stick plastic tube to sit in the ground. The staff I eventually chose has a metal attachment on the bottom and the design of it seems ever so slightly thicker at the ends. Although the ground probably isn't as hard as yours in Canada, its still solid dried out clay at the moment, and to be fair I would probably use it to clear nettles and brambles out on my way on the footpaths and through the woods. Whilst walking thinking that I'm a very scruffy samurai. Keep on with the vids, as always finding them informative; thanks. Me I'm also making new vids for You Tube.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I will be sure to check out your channel. Thanks for commenting

[@earlliverseed1617]

i was a troop scouter 40 years ago. Our troop always made a staff on the Lord Baden Powell design. 66 inches long one foot graduation one inch increments. still have mine and use it

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Great keepsake. Thanks for commenting

[@lelandsmith2320]

Well, I bought a replacement rake handle at the hardware store and a rubber tip. It was about 1.25 inches in diameter and made of ash or hickory. I sanded it down a couple minutes and applied mineral oil based furniture polish which is relatively non-toxic, let it sit overnight and applied more oil. Great stick for rocky dry country

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. If it works for you it is the right one. Thanks for commenting

[@Dizzydog214]

Excellent video, with perfect timing for me; as I am making some hiking staffs.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@lisaspera8590]

this was an awesome video thank you so much for your knowledge and sharing, I'm going to make my own and this was so helpful. Thank you

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are so welcome! Thanks for commenting

[@jackvoss5841]

For cutting in grooves on the shaft, a rat tail file could serve well too. The bottom of the resulting groove would be a concave surface to receive a line very well.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

that is what I used

[@CreachterZ]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much for sharing. If I go to Home Depot and look for a “rat tail file” will I find it or is there another name? Any KZbin links you can share on use?

[@TheSchella]

Excellent video. Well done. Thank you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@colopicolo4]

hi Mark so nice you started in winter and now it's summer

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

That is one change. The other is I lost 40lbs on the keto diet. Thanks for commenting

[@stevedott715]

Hello from Wisconsin and thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting