Making a Blackthorn Shillelagh from Start to finish

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[@kieranlmason]

You found it! The most wholesome thing in the internet.

[@Woodstock271]

Wish this video wasn’t a year old, just stumbled across it today. Being a forth generation Irish/American, I remember my grandfather had a shillelagh that looked almost exactly like this one. That would have been in the 60’s when I was a child in Chicago. I remember being fascinated by it but not allowed to touch it much, since there was some ancestral significance to it I wouldn’t understand. Seeing you make this shillelagh brought all those memories back. My grandfather passed away so of course the shillelagh was now my father’s. As I got older and inquired about the history of one of the very few surviving family heirlooms from Ireland, my father sat me down and told me the story of the shillelagh. The story of the shillelagh in general, being a walking stick and formidable weapon, our shillelagh was apparently used in a crime of sorts and found it’s way to America with my great-grandfather on the run. (Not surprising, hearing the countless sordid tales and yarns of my Irish family history through the decades) After high school I moved from Chicago to California to live on dad’s sailboat. (On the run from my own trouble), and there the shillelagh was. Hanging neatly over my cabin bunk, lit by the dim glow of the kerosene lamps, it took on a personality I can’t describe. A little ominous but friendly and familiar as well, since I’ve known this stick since I could walk on two legs. The Irish leaded crystal goblets would eventually go to my sister on her wedding day and I didn’t care about those things. I loved the shillelagh though and someday it would be mine. At 18 years old now, a sailor like my father, I wanted a closer look at the shillelagh. He unlashed it from the bulkhead and handed it to me. My father watched me as I felt its weight and it seemed lighter and shorter than I remember but last time I saw it, so was I. I looked carefully at the “business end” of the shillelagh for suspicious scull-dents or blood stains and my father laughed. “I’m sure your great-grandfather took care of those on the ship to America.” It was indeed Blackthorn, all the bark intact except for the cuts and sanded areas around the handle area, with the same high-gloss finish I see on your shillelagh you just made. (Goosebumps) The one I was holding back in the 80’s was already well over a hundred years old. It looked very much the same as the one you just made. I’m sure you followed an old tradition and man, I really appreciate that sort of craftsmanship. I became a boatbuilder and finish carpenter and even made some walking sticks, but I’ve never tried to make a shillelagh that looked as historically accurate as the one you did here. I don’t even know if Blackthorn grows in the U.S. but I’ll look it up. You’ve intrigued me here. Inspired me to copy our old family shillelagh because ours was “lost”. (I know where it is, it’s still in the family somewhere in Kentucky. I hope.) While me and dad were on our plan to sail around the world, we made it as far as Hawaii on his beautiful old wooden Tahiti Ketch. We’d hit a deadhead log off the north shore of Kauai that stove in a couple planks. The bilge pumps could barely keep up with the leak and we limped to Oahu. My father worked for Wooden Boat Magazine at the time and they were following our father and son journey around the world. That story ended in Hawaii and my dad started sending off family things to more stable family on the mainland since they were obviously no longer safe with us. We lived like pirates. As far as passing on things from father to son goes, the shillelagh had to be protected and there’s no way we could do that. I suspect it went to my uncle Clyde in Kentucky and that’s good. Those rednecks never change and the shillelagh is safe with them. Probably hanging on a hickory cabin wall in the mountains next to a whiskey still like it did a hundred years ago. It’s with family. That’s what matters. Thanks for inspiring me to write this story and making a shillelagh that looks so very much like the ancient one I remember. If I can find Blackthorn on the northwest coast of the States, I’ll do what you did as far as straightening the bends. Slowly and patiently. The old shillelagh is photographically etched in my mind and I can get pretty close to how it looked. I look forward to more of your work and just subscribed. Thanks a lot from Washington State.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Thanks that was a lovely story , im very active making shillelaghs look at my website- www.McCaffreyCrafts.com

[@Woodstock271]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5, Thank you very much. I’ll definitely check out your website. Keep up the great work and tradition!

[@landoncube769]

Bro you're a straight up story teller and I'm sure you have many you could recount from you sailing journeys. Just saying but would definitely be cool to hear more of them if you made youtube videos/content

[@landoncube769]

@@Woodstock271 clearly you inherited your family's great way with words

[@michaelphelan106]

When I was a child my Great Grandfather’s “cane” was in my Grandmother’s house. It was a wicked looking thing and I remember the thorns being longer. After she passed on one of my cousins moved into her house and he and his wife raised 5 kids. A few years ago when my legs started going to hell I started asking around the family to see if anyone knew where the old cane was. So far no one knows or remembers even seeing it. Unfortunately the cousin may have used it for fire wood so his kids didn’t use it on one another. About 10 years ago I bought another one on-line. I wish I had seen this gentleman’s when I bought the first one. Another name for Blackthorn is Sloe berry, as in Sloe Gin.

[@bobski7032]

My grandfather took his shillelagh on board a merchant ship 1920 age 17 and a few months later took it with him when he jumped ship in New York..I still have it and it looks just like the one in this video “Erin go Bragh “

[@gabrielmann4634]

Would like to see you do the work in addition to hearing you talk about it.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

I plan to once the weather improves

[@marc2468]

From the start, I had questions and skepticism about the heating & straightening. But then you had a tea break and explained it all---the nature of blackthorn wood, working during lockdown, etc. As an American, I think regular tea breaks would make the world a whole lot easier to understand.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

So true

[@wysardje2545]

My own stick arrived this week and it's the absolute business. I cannot fault the quality or craftsmanship of the thing :)

[@Tnav02]

Francis your work is Awesome to watch and i enjoy listening to you figuring the best grip or nob for each stick,each has its own personality! Thanks very much!

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Thanks for watching glad to know you like the videos

[@bethypoo67]

Hi Francis, I bought one of your sticks and I am thrilled with it. I'll be ordering another for my brother. He loved mine and now he wants one too! Sub'd so I can listen to you talk - lol. It's like listening to my grandparents again.

[@Ml-eg7se]

Thanks for the daily videos Francis, I really enjoy your content. I've been looking at making a stick for some time but have struggled to find any information specifically for traditional blackthorn sticks, I've never done anything like it before so i find your videos really useful.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

I'll keep making as many videos asbi can to help

[@Tigerrfeet]

I have a 50 yo shillelagh. It is massive and beautiful. Bought new by my dad in Dungloe

[@AdamTheRaptor]

Beautiful stick! (Coming from a fellow hobbyist) I mostly enjoy finding sticks that have been twisted and nurled up by vines. It's really hard to find the perfect one for a walking stick (not too skinny, too crooked, one that looks attractive enough). I recently found the perfect one and will start working on it today. Might do some wood burning and shellac on it as well. Cheers from Georgia, USA 😎❤

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Sounds like a great start to the week

[@Thoroughly_Wet]

You turned a stick into another kind of stick! Wow! Na, for really that awesome. I've got some Irish heritage and a limp so I would love to build me a shillelagh

[@mr.mickles]

I had no idea they were painted. Thanks for the demonstration.

[@RemmyJKnowings]

They did not lock me down! Nice job friend.

[@coreytim]

Beautiful work Francis.

[@artawhirler]

This is one of the best videos you've done! Thanks!

[@michaelwalsh98]

My Father used to go into an Irish bar in North Philly named Mc Andrews. They had 3 sets of crossed Black Shillelagh (6) hanging above the bar. I was 12 years old in 1959 when I went with him, he would get me a soda.

[@jimicrack29]

all forgot the ever trusty hair dryer from way back when. now so so so so so many useful ideas it can be used for

[@leeroy8936]

This would make a great ASMR video

[@GorlliaGrodd]

Hey, I received one of your shillelaghs here in the US a few weeks back. I'm quite happy with with it and really appreciate your craftsmanship.

[@brawnswolo4057]

Absolutely beautiful work my friend keep er up I'm going to definitely check your sight out always happy to see a fellow wood worker love and support from Ontario, Canada

[@chuck2895]

Very nice blackthorn stick sir!

[@zackjoubert5207]

It looks beautiful!

[@Mshannon75]

Beautiful job! Love your daily videos.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Thanks I'll keep them coming

[@johndagostino2451]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 great job as always but I’m thinking of straightening some my sticks do you do it when seasoned or Fresh ? I do it with out a jig but over my knee old way 👍🇮🇹🇬🇧🐾🦊

[@markgordon4368]

Having a cup of tea is part of the process 😌

[@raaalph1705]

Bro I'm in Arizona USA love your sticks just found your channel dig it subed

[@strollingireland9860]

Great stuff. There's few concerns in life that aren't lessened somewhat by a good stick. Either by just taking it for a walk, or by utilising it's multitoolularity. I like your bending rig there. Nice work all round.

[@stammi235]

Thank you for posting...

[@Esuper1]

In the process of hiking about trying to find a stick or branch that speaks to me.

[@Road_Rash]

I like walking sticks with bends & a knot or 2...gives them character...I never knew a traditional shillelagh had to be straightened...I'll have to try this...

[@finnmarr-heenan2397]

It’s because they doubled up as a weapon

[@VideoHostSite]

"Cut limb from tree." Done.

[@myvoiceyourstory9338]

Love this. Master day work

[@murraykriner9425]

Always a thrill to hear a craftsman talk of his trade. Have always admired the gentleman who can carry off the making of a walking stick, and even tried my hand as a young man using devil's walking stick tree stock after removing the thorns and the viney bits that grew about them. Not quite as nice as the Blackthorn one's for weight nor disability, but it worked well enough to have some character. Wished I had mulled it around more at the time while carving the handle up, as it feels a bit awkward now. It was grand getting your thoughts on the process, and how you work through getting them sorted out. Thank you my friend. Appreciate your time greatly.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Thanks Murray

[@murraykriner9425]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 your most welcome. I will be checking back and seeing what else your doing in the future. I adore photography as nothing else, so I'm sure we have like interests. Best wishes.

[@elcaponeholyemperorofnj1169]

Who needs a cane sword when you have a Shillaligh

[@wildschuetzjaeger2316]

My kind of hobby is making wooden bows. Usually i enjoy to make them from black locust or ash. The black locust also often needs a straightening. It's very interesting for me to see how these things get handled by other craftsmen. Thanks for this very fine made video.👍

[@maximeb190]

How do you go about unbending for bow making ?

[@wildschuetzjaeger2316]

@@maximeb190 Warming up the staves with steam. You can find very good descriptions about in the bowyers bible books. You need to build an oven with a special steam pipe.

[@maximeb190]

@@wildschuetzjaeger2316 Ohh thats very neat idea yeah, pushing steam towards a pipe where the wood strips are located! I see ways of making this DIY with a very simple setup in my mind. Thanks!

[@garlicbreathandfarts]

Lots of oak trees where I live. A good club is most often at hands reach in the forest.

[@joegrande4848]

Francis would love to see how exactly you built this stick straightening device step by step in a video.

[@sethwarner2540]

Thank you for showing your idea! I, also make canes out of natural shapes; however, I see a way to bend my shapes to tweak them to become more of help to those I give them to. By steam bending one end or the whole, to fit my vision of the best shape. Your handle coud be steamed and bent to more of a 90 degree, thus fitting the hand better. If this is stepping on your toes, pardon me and ignore this!

[@davesoden8786]

Great videos Francis managed to get two straight blacktorn sticks with decent rootballs other day got a long wait know for drying out . Thanks for showing us how to do it.

[@jsboyle3459]

Nice wee video very helpful👍

[@seangere9698]

I started to make one 7 years ago from a great looking piece of Black Thorn I gathered. Unfortunately during the curing stage grubs started coming out of both ends and it started cracking. I had over 40 pieces I had curing but unfortunately they got left behind in the cellar during a move. I'm no professional just someone that really loves Black Thorn canes and was going to make some for the rest of my family. We are of Irish decent and I thought it would be nice for the rest of my family to have a piece of Ireland. My family lives in America I have been living in Germany for the last 10 years and I visited Ireland 7 years ago and was able to source and collect some branches to make some canes and walking sticks but I no longer have them except for the one failed cured one. Most of the bark has now come off it. It's still siting on my work bench as a reminder. One day I hope to be able to go back to Ireland and source some more Black Thorn to start over again.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

It’s getting harder to find each year

[@UFOpilot.]

that purple heart on the stick will match the color of bruises beautifully LOL. PEACE.

[@Sarge0311]

Nice job sir, I have a black horn walk stick/cane I got from my grandfather

[@demos113]

Me da & granda made blackthorn sticks but never anything that robust, lovely job. 🙂

[@jimmyfaherty8588]

well done!

[@robb4044]

Very nice.

[@robertslater5706]

What sealer do you use? What black paint do you use and what finish do you use? Beautiful work. Thanks for the video.

[@waynemcauliffe2362]

Cheers mate

[@tonynapoli5549]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Thanks for the support Tony

[@christopherort2889]

Amazing video

[@joegrande4848]

Francis wanted to know how you made the stick straighter more in depth. The size boards u used an the metal brackets you placed for added support on top of the the shillelagh straighter

[@PlayaSinNombre]

OMG Cadbury’s mug!

[@420RyanBruce]

Do you use the root for the cudgel end? Also, does the bending come before or after the wood had been seasoned for 2/3 a year or so?

[@dominicjai2347]

Very 👍 nicely done Sir

[@AlphaMachina]

Should find a smaller one and make a Harry Potter wand next. Basically just a walking stick for a gnome.

[@daveschramm6808]

Great video. I visited Ireland in 1991 and brought home a few blackthorn sticks. They've been sitting in the garage all that time. Are they too old/dry to bend straight as you have done in this video. They are not quite as thick as the stick in your video. Thanks!

[@grantmillard8387]

That came out beautifully. Thanks very much for sharing your process. What kind of paint do you use on such a stick to give it the needed durability? Anything I can imagine would flake off pretty quickly. Again, beautiful work.

[@herscheltaylor7919]

Would like to see the finishes and what is applied to the stick

[@mike3020]

Very nice

[@TheDAT9]

The Shillelagh isn't just a waking stick, it is a defensive and offensive weapon, depending on the circumstances one finds oneself in. Decorative, and stylish as you walk the rocky road to Dublin in days gone bye, or downtown in Chicago, going about your business, it does have has utility.

[@markmonaghan2309]

My understanding is that it's not a walking stick just a concealed weapon,

[@joegrande4848]

Francis would it be a good idea to use clamps when doing the straightening process of the shaft of the walking stick?

[@joegrande4848]

Francis I had an awful time trying to make the brace for stick straightener device. I tried using circular saw to cut wood. I didn't feel safe trying to cut half circle into board. Is there another affective way to straighten walking sticks. I saw somewhere if I soak sticks an place the soaked stick an place between board an use a c clamp will that work? I'm running out of options to steaighten sticks

[@paulogattopardo4193]

What is the best type of wood to craft one of these?

[@JKS_Crafting]

It Looks amazing! If I may complaint somewhat it would be that the process took a massive skip at 10 minutes. You do address it and this is my first video I see from your channel (I found your channel from a Short that got promoted in my feed). I'll look around for another video of yours that explain the painting, sanding sealer step more in depth. Just leaving all this as a feedback but definitely not a complaint.❤

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

I used this channel for selling my sticks more than teaching . I only give glimpses of what I do to sell my products.

[@JKS_Crafting]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 aight, that's fair

[@gingebrien2408]

Interesting that you apply a black paint prior to the protective finish.

[@carrolls3888]

Hi Francis. What do you use to finish your stick? Varnish?

[@thezieg]

Thanks for this. My preference: natural color on the shaft, no black paint.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Natural bark is lovely

[@ABandAnd]

Great stuff

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Thanks bill

[@nebellivnov1656]

cool stick

[@bgolden74]

Thank you so much for sharing! I have my grandfather's shillelagh that he brought over to America with him back in the 30's. When my father got older, he also used it when walking. Well, my father passed away last November and I now have the shillelagh. I would like to restore it a bit, because of all the use, most of the bark has chipped away. My question to you is: what sealer should I use and is there a specific black paint for the finish? I have already started the process and would greatly appreciate it. Please keep up the great work!

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Just need to stand it down and apply any wood sealer and finish you like

[@Baron-Bagaten]

I'm lucky to have some large Blackthorn growing in my garden, never knew this could be done with it, but I know it's very hard wood and so colourful, a beautiful wood indeed. I'm saving anything I cut from now now !. Please can you tell me how long you season the timber before you try to straighten the length's. Thank you.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Usually 2 to 3 years

[@Baron-Bagaten]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 Thank you, it will be sometime before I get to have a go then :)

[@slingshotwarrrior8105]

fine ctaftsmanship

[@ljdankov]

This video is exactly what I needed. I was about to build a steam generator. Do you normally use low or high setting on heat gun and how long do you run for? What grit sandpaper would you start at?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Heat seasoned wood slowly start with coarse sandpaper and work your way down.

[@julesthurongi1223]

Excellent video! Subbed!

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Welcome to my ramblings!!

[@fredmackay7896]

I wonder if apple would be a good wood for this? I’m in eastern Canada, we have hawthorn, but not blackthorn, I think.

[@zw5509]

Very nicely described. Do you ever use the old butter and set by the fireplace seasoning method? Great selection for the handle. Accentuated that beautiful heartwood. Take care.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Not unless you are cooking food! Butter would not be the best option for seasoning a stick nowadays the best way is to seal the ends hang in a room with moving air with the heavy side down.

[@zw5509]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 That was the first technique I read about when I was researching, long ago. You can see the reason it was used in the past and the sticks I have seen that are very old certainly had a rich dark colour. All the Best, John

[@MustObeyTheRules]

Does anyone know the Janka hardness and specific gravity of black thorn? I can’t find much info.

[@heaven-earth108]

what is it u using for heating ?🙏🏼

[@gautam9]

Lovely. What number is this stick?

[@richosthoff7212]

Thanks so much for this! Is the heat straightening permanent? Will a few seasons of temperature and humidity fluctuations cause a stick to revert to its original shape/curves?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

It work revert back if the stick is fully seasoned before you straighten it

[@trevscott93]

I was under the impression that shillelaghs were/are usually fire hardened. Is that not the case?

[@josephcoen665]

May be a silly question. But would it not be easier to straighten stick when it is green, and bendy? Then attach it to a rack to keep it straight whilst seasoning. I guess storage is the issue.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

It’s easier when seasoned

[@dfcvda]

what is the main saw you use for cutting Western saw or a Japanese pull saw? (For the handle i mean.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Both I have so many saws

[@miketurany2082]

Holy smokes there Patty we don't want to rush ya boyo but will you make us more of the shelaly Gotta have more walking shelaly!!!

[@alizarincrimson123]

Hi Francis, Great video, very interesting. I'm going to make a few of these from Bois d'Arc, a hard thorny tree here in Tennessee. Did you straighten the wood after it dried for a year or so? Or soon after cutting? Thanks.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Must wait until it’s dry before you straighten

[@kevinchurch2713]

Thank you for showing a real one...in America iv'e seen bogus copies..and when i confronted them..they did'nt even know what blackthorn was...

[@dontworrybeachhappy9320]

I have a 40+ year old shillelagh that belonged to my father. The finish is not in good shape, and in some places the bare wood under the bark is visible. I am planning to sand it where it's chipping and refinish it. What sort of stain/finish should I buy? Thank you!

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Put a sealer on after you sand it down first before any sealer. Finish depends on what you like, glossy finish is good on shillelaghs

[@mcapello8836]

What did people use to seal and finish them in the old days? I've heard stories of covering them in butter and leaving them in the chimney but not sure if that's true, and if so, how it would work in practice.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Anything they had on the farm usually paint and shoe polish to finished

[@CelticPagan]

Dia dhuit, Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú? Thank you so much for the lovely video, it is very useful! Go raibh míle maith agat!

[@StMunro1]

Absolute gibberish

[@Karl_with_a_K]

Dia is Muire duit a chara, conás atá tú fhein? Tá gaeilge agat, mhaith tú ar fad!

[@CelticPagan]

@@Karl_with_a_K Dia duit, Karl! Maith go leor! Agus tú fhéin? Tá beagán Gaeilge agam. Táim ag foghlaim Gaeilge fós.

[@andrewmcnulty0]

I have a similar blackthorn stick and the rootball has a split developing. Is there a way to fix that at all? Thanks for the great video.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Let me season longer until it can crack no more then wood glue and blackthorn dust mix.

[@glennjenkinson1103]

Why did I think that the knobstick was formed from the root ball? Is there anything to look out for when buying a blackthorn stick to avoid being tricked into not getting the real deal?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Be careful of two pieces glued together calling themselves black thorn. Usually the black paint is high up on the knob hiding the connecting part. , also look at the wood grain on the handle, wood grain is like a fingerprint and can be make from fake blackthorn

[@lexzan]

My Blackthorne is too thick as well as the handle. Any advice on how to reduce the circumference of the stick?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Rasp it

[@VirtuesOfSin]

You say handle, but we both know you mean club. :p lol Lovely Shillelagh

[@steamdean100]

Actually laughing out loud.

[@charliebowen5071]

No.. he means handle.. only a moron would actually use this to fight with

[@VirtuesOfSin]

​@@charliebowen5071 Um... uh... um... You DO know what a Shillelagh is... right? (Edit) In case you didn't know, they're fighting sticks, and their original design was weaponry. Are the better than guns? Of course not, no ancient age weaponry will be as effective as modern age weaponry. Are they more effective than fist fighting? Just ask the British that ended up banned the Shillelagh while they occupied Ireland.

[@kayakwestnow4788]

Hi Francis. Do you give any tutorials or classes in stick making? I am very interested in learning the craft,

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

In time this is the direction I will go, now I’m too busy making sticks for customers to deliver a proper online teaching course

[@kayakwestnow4788]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 that's grand thanks I'll keep watching out for it.

[@AllMenAreBerries]

I love when its all types of bendy but I guess then it isnt good as a walking stick or am I wrong in that? Or is it just a taste thing?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Not at all everyone is different and usually like different things

[@paulsmallriver6066]

What is wrong with bends? I believe they give character to a piece..

[@thehillbillygamer2183]

Is that supposed to be a sheleighly I'm good for a cracking skulls

[@kevincasey8287]

How might one re-finish a blackthorn stick(I inherited from my grandfather, born and raised in Roscommon) that is a little the worse for wear over 70+ years? Any input is appreciated.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Depends need to see it first hand mostly just sand it down and start overt

[@kevincasey8287]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5, would you mind if I sent you a couple of photos? I may be overthinking it all but I want to honor its meaning and history as a family heirloom.

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

@@kevincasey8287 can send

[@bigunone]

Thank you, old realtor I wired a house for had a Blackthorn walking stick his father had made, said they went back to Ireland to visit family, his dad saw the limb in the tree and decided he had to have it . Long story short he brought it back to America with him and spent nights working it over. I have been looking for one ever since looking through your web site now. How do your figure out how tall you need?

[@FrancisMcCaffrey5]

Half your height with shoes on

[@bigunone]

@@FrancisMcCaffrey5 Thank you I found the answer looking through your past videos!

[@craft-o-matic2377]

What kind of black paint do you use? Thanks! Lisa

[@christopherwhelan3886]

I cant answer for the video but I know back in the day they used black shoe polish