Making walking sticks

[@neilvirgo426]

This video is ace. No fancy tools, very well explained and a great stick being made. Thanks Peter.

[@faith6651]

The main thing is all are still holding together and in constant use here and somewhere! :-) Especially as my back gets worse! lol. Thanks for your praise.

[@bfoster1950]

Very nice video. Thanks for the whistle idea. I'll make one for my grandson.

[@marcasotiarnaigh8672]

Brilliant videos, it’s fantastic to source this kind of knowledge and skill online from someone who knows what he is at.

[@eugenemcgovern9703]

Absolutely brilliant video really enjoyed it. I'm definitely inspired to make one.

[@faith6651]

Please do! Do then share it with me?

[@ToddUSA]

Sorry I'm late to the party but that was amazing thank you for sharing this video with us I really enjoyed it.

[@EmmaCarey-r7y]

Aww love how you praise her: you can se3 how happy she is to work for you 🥰

[@faith6651]

Yes indeed we had 11 lovely years and I miss her greatly. See memory video of her on here due to her passing on a few weeks back :-(

[@eugenevictortooms4174]

Nice work. I'm thinking about trying my hand at making my own stick & found this video informative & fun to watch.

[@faith6651]

Well I am still using mine from this very film lol ! Glad you did not moan about the shooting at start. :-)

[@eugenevictortooms4174]

@@faith6651 to be honest I think I'd really enjoy shooting, I've just never had an opportunity to give it a go myself. I've never understood the anti shooting brigade. I'm glad your stick is still going strong 👍.

[@Dominochaney]

That gun is amazingly beautiful

[@faith6651]

Thanks Ryan, pleased you are able to see and appreciate.

[@allanclose9684]

Beautiful dog and shot gun. I have 2 of those rolled steeled barreled [Damascus ] shot guns from my grandfather on the wall. Great video , and thanks for CC as i am deaf.

[@faith6651]

My pleasure and thanks for your comment.

[@tanner2stryker2]

Great video nice sticks & a super stready lab you have

[@faith6651]

Thanks. In such things I simply share what I do and do not pretend to be an expert, so others may gain. Am uploading another film shortly of this winters shooting where Holly will feature greatly if interested?

[@MyLodgie]

Nice to see the dog retrieving well.

[@faith6651]

If this side interests then see my shooting vids on here or the series training her as a puppy? :-)

[@500krp]

Beautiful work! And a lovely garden!

[@faith6651]

Ah, well new gardens now in both UK and France - that you can see on here? :-)

[@scotty1498]

Very nice skills. I would love to learn how to do this.

[@faith6651]

Hopefully I have given you a start here?

[@scotty1498]

@@faith6651 yes Peter, I feel inspired to try myself. Are there any books or other resources you would recommended?

[@faith6651]

Very many I am sure. Plus many more vids on here by others. First thing is to find the sticks you want out there in the woods? Then what you wish for the stick heads / handles? Next basic woodworking tools and space to work. Much of it is common sense. As with any craft taxidermy or whatever, there is always room for exploration, experimentation that will help make your product more personal. Just remember the main demand. A strong durable stick and fixing?

[@scotty1498]

@@faith6651thanks Peter. I think I'll head out into Bucks / Herts. woodlands and search for some hazel to cut. Then I understand that I have to wait a year for the wood to season. Time to research how to actually make a stick! What's the best place to acquire ram's horn, or is that too advanced?

[@faith6651]

No not too advanced. Unless you can find your own supplies try google - just type in walking stick supplies, or ebay. e.g. www.rerrickstickmakingsupplies.co.uk/

[@shanespencer9510]

Good shot and nice sticks.

[@faith6651]

Thanks Shane, regarding shooting I think you will enjoy a video I have nearly completed uploading right now, pigeon shooting but showing such from a phantom and also the dog retrieving wearing a cam! Have several shooting films on the way.

[@Jamrham]

Thank you this video, I have been working out different ideas of making walking sticks, all of my ideas should work, but would need much more work than this. Now all I need is a place to make them.

[@faith6651]

Hope you find room soon then! :-)

[@ChurchClown7]

Thanks for the video. Got some great ideas for my walking sticks.

[@faith6651]

Great! That's what it is about, sharing ideas and the fun we have so others may also do the same? :-)

[@williamgale8056]

LMAO. Opening scene brought back memories of mt grandpa trimming the black walnut tree with a double barrel 12 gauge and a box or two of shells, A Chesterfield hanging out his mouth.

[@faith6651]

Sounds like a man aftre my own heart! lol :-) Stopped smoking my peterson a while ago though.

[@lowsek-vai1733]

sir, you have a really loyal dog , he is fantastic !!!

[@faith6651]

SHE! :-) I think that's part of the bonding between us. Yes she is my best and probably my last. I have learnt much I wish I had used with earlier dogs, but shared it in videos here with you all.

[@horridhenry1805]

Hi Peter nice video I'm very novice at stick dressing but have been a joiner all my life and now my knees are shot..... I'm currently making a double headed woodcock thumb stick I've inserted n shape horn for the beaks and its looking promising I know that's my opinion but I can tell a quality item from one that isn't..... So the question is how would you go about selling walking sticks..... Cheers 👍🏻🍻

[@faith6651]

I can think of several ways, although I don't bother as I just make them for my own use, friends or by request. :-) 1. People who see you using an interesting stick. 2. Facebook 3. If you make a KZbin film. 4. Craft fairs. 5. Approach a shop on commission. 6. Etsy. 7. Place an add in a suitable place - hunting mag etc. ?

[@horridhenry1805]

@@faith6651 thanks much appreciated

[@alickdunbar]

Can you let me know what type of wood be good to begin making a walking stick for the first time please let me know thanks

[@faith6651]

Hazel is ideal. Ash possibly.

[@alickdunbar]

@@faith6651 thanks for letting me know much appreciate it

[@faith6651]

You see me cutting Hazel at the start of the film? :-)

[@dabberty]

Very nice, thanks for the inspiration

[@faith6651]

I have had quite rude criticism TELLING ME my way of joining cannot be any good. Let me assure you, I am still using my early sticks over 15 years old! :-) Never had one break or fall apart yet. Thanks for your comment and thanks.

[@capbin146]

Didn't you have to season the wood? I read you have to wait a year? Usually watch your painting but I put a bundle of hazel in the garage back in the spring with this in mind. Loved the screw joining technique!

[@faith6651]

Absolutely right as drying the wood means the glue sticks better etc. I cut mine at the end of last game shooting season, so just before spring. It has only needed the summer months to dry in my garage. You can, also, drill in each way and use cut off 6 " nails for a stronger joint on big sticks, but the screw thread holds better and is easier I feel? FYI - The rams horn becomes pliable with heat from a blow torch and you can straighten and form it. Then it re hardens on cooling.

[@randomfox9970]

@@faith6651 very nice shotgun a real expensive work of art I owns a Damascus open razor I use too but Damascus barrels means no heavy charges in gun from Damascus is your black powder or smokeless proofed. ? I'm a whittling branches guy I makes spoons and anything eles useful too

[@skywatcher6106]

How do you season the wood without it splitting as it dries? Been having trouble with this

[@faith6651]

A very good question. Strangely enough I have never had a problem, always used Hazel BUT usually store it a while to dry out anyway. Drying in a shed rather than over heated inside room.

[@skywatcher6106]

@@faith6651 do you remove the bark before you dry it, or after?

[@faith6651]

Why remove the bark at all, it is attractive and helps protect? I never do, although have cut patterns down the lengths at times :-)

[@henrycems]

Love it my friend, very well done. I have made a few walking sticks and a few staffs but nothing like that. By the way great looking shotgun love the old types, they don't make them like that anymore. Take care.

[@faith6651]

+henrycems Yes I am very pleased with my two Damascus guns, as you say they are becoming harder to procure. I, also, have a lovely Rose pattern s/s hammerless ejector. Otherwise I use a Miroku top grade 6000 o/u game gun that I have hand carved the cheeks on and a Solver pigeon Beretta 20 bore. Nice, light and fast. Easier for my arthritis.

[@kennelson7591]

I would suggest you don't join the antler to the stick like this as it will break, waste of a good stick and your time, the best way is to drill out the soft part of the antler and make a dowel on your stick at least an 1"1/2 long whittle it down until you get a good fit then glue it up with a 2 part epoxy.

[@faith6651]

Thanks for your advice Ken. Two things - I have been watching some fantastic walking stick makers on here recently and have much admiration for them, including some wonderful carving and filming by many. Possibly far beyond my skills. I note this way of fixing that you mention, by most, and am aware. Equally, although I appreciate what you are saying, my sticks have been in constant and strong use for many years now, some over 20 years! Hardly a waste of a good stick and not just luck!? This may also be as I always work the epoxy right into the honeycomb firstly? So have never had any problems, as yet. My sticks being used for beating and all sorts. As I say, I appreciate your good wishes and understand your reasoning.

[@kennelson7591]

That`s good to hear, they have lasted well, its only my preference and just to give others an alternative method I suppose with the epoxy they can be ok for sometime as you have proven, I have had antler that is so soft in the middle it hasn't a chance of holding for long so I use the dowel method to make sure of a good joint.

[@robertlangley258]

Ken Nelson I also have concerns of this jointing method lasting especially if you used it to “beat” things as he says.

[@faith6651]

Well here I am at 66 years old and STILL shooting, "beating" , walking, seeking mushrooms here and in France using those same original and newer sticks Robert. I take it you did read my reply to Ken? Your slightly derogatory comment re " he and beat" are noted and I can only repeat. Of course I can see the logic in your concerns BUT the proof of the pudding is in the eating. You can see those sticks remaining in evident use after all these years even in my films this year in both countries and at 15 stone they support me well. Even though the wood is old and light now. The trick is in making sure the twin epoxy is well soaked into the antler end and joint. Ken is, of course correct, if the antler is hollow or very soft and spongy or there is any doubt. I have not had a stick fail as yet but would use a dowel method if I felt it required such, certainly :-)

[@robertlangley258]

Peterwoodarts OK Peter, don’t get your skivvies in a wad. I’m not doubting your honesty sir I may thrust a little harder than yourself when I “beat” something. Come to think of it, I’ve never loss the head of me manhood and I’ve certainly beat hell out of it over the years. I was just voicing my concerns but since I don’t have one of your creations to test I’m at a disadvantage. You have some nice pieces there in your shop I’m certain. Keep on walking...........😁

[@StevenKeery]

Is it better to use varnish on the sticks, or just linseed oil or bee's wax?

[@faith6651]

Very much a personal taste re a finish? I prefer a good strong exterior varnish such as a yacht varnish. The other choices may not last as well for such work?

[@StevenKeery]

Peterwoodarts : Thank you for your reply, I have just been given a walking stick. It doesn't have any finished coating to it and I was thinking of coating it with yacht varnish, but wasn't sure if this would chip off, as I've never used it before. Can I also draw your attention to an American site called Kinnet Sticks. He carves very elaborate sticks of snakes and other animals. They are beautiful to look at, though I'm not sure how comfortable in the hand they would be to use. Again, many thanks for your help.

[@alickdunbar]

Can you use wood glue rather than epoxy let me know please as I can’t work with epoxy

[@faith6651]

If you are meaning the P.V.A. type white glues, they simply do not have the same water resistance, bonding and strength qualities I am afraid. I am not sure of what your problem is to them, if just touch then hopefully rubber gloves will help ? There are other strong glues, even superglues, and watermixed ones, but it maybe difficult to be sure you have no allergies. Certainly gloves are always advised. Have a word with a good local craft shop and see what they suggest?

[@alickdunbar]

@@faith6651 no I meant gorilla glue

[@faith6651]

Yes you can use any finish that you wish once the stick is completed and dry. Varnish or whatever. Certainly you can sand the antler either completely or partially to show the texture. Even engrave or burn designs into the antler or wood, or carve the bark further. From what I have seen of "gorilla glue" they produce a good product BUT not just one type. The also produce a twin bond resin one similar to the one I am using and show. That soaks in and forms a rock hard plastic bond, filling any cracks. Each of the other makes of that brand has different uses and properties. Some of them maybe useful in your case but that one is ideal.

[@austinfunk2607]

Very cool stuff

[@slingshotwarrrior8105]

There very beautiful but I prefer a walking stick that has a nob on it, I want something has duel usage. Something I can walk in the woods with and fend off whatever or whoever!

[@faith6651]

Ha! You get a pointed end of one of my antler stick up your nose or arse and I don't think the results pleasant?? lol

[@slingshotwarrrior8105]

You have a point LOL!

[@johnwaites6803]

the vice needs a bit of maintenance, nice old gun used to have a Purdy like that

[@faith6651]

Not only the vice, so do I !! lol

[@eapc44]

Try looking at dave slater woodland sticks,you notice that the joint of walking sticks,are neat and how exp stick makers produce nice sticks,he has shown me ways of making sticks,years of exp. take a look he helps and offer great advice

[@codyjarvis3426]

Lol , as soon as the video started you shot the shot gun up in the tree.. I thought is this the way he gets the stick he wants ,just shoot it out 😂might work if you hit it with the slug just right...

[@faith6651]

Nowhere near as difficult! lol. No I was just linking traditional country crafts and a story.

[@Sarah-no7lv]

The inside of the antler marrow is weak so after a bit of heavy use the screw will come loose.

[@faith6651]

Hello Sarah. If you would care to read the other comments below this video you will notice I have already replied to your criticism years ago ? I can see your reasoning but in fact the twin bond resin glue appears to soak down into the cells. As I, also, state there, all of my sticks are still in working use constantly, not one has broken or come apart. This film was last uploaded in 2015 and my old favourites, I always use, are now nearly 12 years old or so! The proof of the pudding is in the eating?! I am sure this will surprise you and your doubts will continue, but I am nearly 70 now and do lean on my sticks so need reliability.

[@Sarah-no7lv]

@@faith6651 ok thank you for your response. I’m new to stick making and it’s just what I’ve heard. I’ll try one with your method. I’ve learned a lot from your vids. Thanks.

[@faith6651]

No worry Sarah, you would be correct if not using the resin glues as the screws would break away but plastering in the liquid glue before attaching the top has never failed for me. Good luck and by all means send me a shot of what you manage? :-)

[@serpicoserpicos546]

Amazing.....

[@skinnybopper]

Great video

[@eapc44]

does a lot of show demo using horn etc too,nice helpful guy ,????

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

Hello there Sir. What a delightful video and very well presented. May I ask why people like yourself use 2 part epoxy rather than say a superglue or other strong glue? Just curious as it must be for a very good reason and I would love to know. Can you recommend a brand in particular? Thanks in anticipation. Big chip :?)

[@faith6651]

For me the strength and consistency of epoxy suits me best as it is thick enough not to soak in and disappear but still able to soak in enough to bond deep into the fibres of the antler and wood making both more solid. It also blends well on a finish being similar in colour and texture to horn. Well know brands seem to be good, we did do tests on these glues in a technical college years ago and glued oak end to end grain. Then used a huge machine to pull them apart. The glue did not break but the wood actually ripped apart! On the same machine we pulled out 1" steel rod. Watching it stretch narrow like rubber and re form on release unless taken to breaking point when it, then, kept the narrow necks to the break point. I use super glue on items such as glass and pottery. I cannot recommend fast drying epoxy though as in it's earlier development I had a large pottery owl fall apart in the heat of a conservatory where the glue appeared to soften! Keep to normal?! Hope this helps?

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

@@faith6651 Thank you so much for your prompt, thoughtful and comprehensive response. I very much appreciate that. Best wishes Sir.

[@eapc44]

need advice on how to master this art ,having seen a few excellent stick makers working,always room for improvement

[@faith6651]

Only just noticed your comments and am in the process of watching Dave Slater right now. Wonderful stuff and I have always believed in "the more we know the more we realise we do not know"? Yes great man and thanks for passing him onto here for us, I am sure many others will, also, enjoy. I would NEVER call myself an expert in any of my films EXCEPT possibly in art/painting or in shotgun shooting. Otherwise all I am doing here is sharing what I do, my own pleasures, what I have learnt. In the majority of cases, even if only a few different tips are passed on, my subscribers seem to appreciate most of it :-) It is, also, good to see so many films uploaded by yourself and your polite introduction, as very occasionally I get rudeness here from those who's pages are as empty as their heads!

[@skylerskyler3274]

Hi Peter do you sell your walking sticks, ? 🙄

[@faith6651]

All the ones I have made are in use by me or pals but I am happy to make special custom made ones to order as that has more meaning. On the other hand my step son has followed my tuition and has a small collection for sale. If you are interested I can get him to photo and send shots of what he has, also?

[@NGMountains]

Very surprised you can even go hunting there.

[@johanallers7063]

I have a framesaw like you have.

[@maryfitzpatrick3682]

where do you get the antlers

[@faith6651]

You can buy them online and I have seen them in shops, but they tend to be very expensive. Knowing a hunter/keeper is the best route.

[@TheMurlocKeeper]

Well, it's great to see you still checking in on your vids after what....a whole year since you posted this up? Lol! I loved the quick and simple way you just casually chuck these things together, although no doubt, it's from much practice. I thought I'd offer another thought on your whistle stick. It's awesome how you worked it into the antler like that, but when using it, it seemed a bit awkward how you needed to turn it around like that just to use it. Would it be better if the sound hole was on the inside of the V shape? I just thought it'd be easier to use that way. I do love it when people share how they do their crafts though. Some people are arrogant idiots and take their "secrets" to their grave, which is such a waste. I'll share my knowledge with whoever asks me, and I can see you're the kind of person who does likewise! Good stuff! :)

[@darrenletcher7208]

Freddie

[@Bigchurchmusic]

Excellent.

[@ccasey101372]

do you sell them

[@faith6651]

Have only made them for myself bar one for a friend, but would do if asked.

[@rayhowe4354]

Could do with a dressing on your grind stone.🇬🇧

[@jeromeals9890]

what breed of dog?

[@faith6651]

Eh?! Top pedigree Yellow Labrador. Best gundog I have ever had/trained - let alone pal! :-)

[@abdullahnasher7975]

Random but fun

[@faith6651]

Yes, my life is a bit like that lol . :-)

[@freqeist]

I need a work shop

[@faith6651]

All guys need this, even if it's a garden shed! :-)

[@freqeist]

I do have two sheds but they are full, better have a tidy up..

[@faith6651]

OK may I suggest one with insulation for all seasons, stereo, home brew equipment, decent chair, heating, electrics, some craft equipment? Other as workshop, storage, garden stuff? :-) Pending on shed sizes and what you have available in house, privacy, garage and freedom? lol :-)

[@loynis]

Sad to realize that a deer is dead for that!

[@faith6651]

Sometimes words fail me! Milk comes from cows not bottles, and there are sooo many more things you clearly need to know in life. Including that deer antlers fall off, naturally, after a year! Sigh!! Daaah.

[@spikesworth]

...and the amount of trees I killed to get my leaf pile! Bah ha ha ha! :)

[@charlesdeshler202]

did you know that deer drop their horn every year? Maybe its a dropped antler and the fuzzy deer is still running majestic through the wood. I hope that brings you comfort. Run with that thought, and it will make you feel safer and more better.

[@6SugaR6MiLK6]

It's not like he killed the deer for the antlers, also deer shed their antlers every year sooooooo. #educateyourselfsjw

[@michaelheurkens4538]

@@charlesdeshler202 Just so you know, deer, moose or caribou (aka reindeer ) grow and shed antlers, NOT horns. Bovine (cow-like), goats or sheep grow and permanently retain horns. That is the chief difference between antlers and horns. Late fall/early winter is a good time to hunt for "sheds" where we live in Alberta, Canada. Cheers.