Cut Sticks Like A Pro - Making Walking Sticks - Hazel Shanks

[@alistairboyd5770]

It is like watching Out of Town with Jack Hargreaves all over again. Brilliant, Simon.

[@andirutherford2615]

@@alistairboyd5770 i was thinking off How

[@simoneardley]

I used to love that program, top bloke !!

[@williammclean3870]

It was Watching your stick making video that got me started making them. I now make around 8 to 10 sticks a year which I provide for free to old age pensioners in my locality. Nice one Simon, great video.

[@simoneardley]

Thats great William, what a nice gesture.

[@christopherglass8379]

Hello Simon, as a wood turner I believe that the markings on the shaft that you thought might be due to snails is in fact known as 'spalting' which is a fungal infection. I am always amazed to see food chopping boards offered by woodworkers that are made made from spalted beech. Definitly not food safe...

[@MartinParsons-tr6wi]

I've never had a problem with my beech cutting board

[@Goosebear77]

​@@MartinParsons-tr6wiBut is it Spalted Beech?

[@MartinParsons-tr6wi]

@@Goosebear77 I dare say, it probably isn't. Though more by luck than judgement, by the sound of it ... Does the spalting manifest as a fungus ?

[@Goosebear77]

@@MartinParsons-tr6wi Christopher wrote that it does. A Danish friend once told me that wood with a fungal pattern makes for nice walking sticks. I have post traumatic osteoarthritis in my left knee so he was walking and talking me through finding a good stick.

[@MartinParsons-tr6wi]

@@Goosebear77 I suppose I was questioning whether it's visible internally, but thanks, anyway. My stick choice would normally be hazel, as referenced here.

[@debbiewitt7028]

Simon you have been blessed with many gifts, when I first found your channel as I waited for a new film to come out I went back and watched every one of your past films. I loved watching you make the walking stick it was absolutely beautiful and if I remember correctly you had a contest and gave one lucky follower one of your walking sticks. Hopefully we get to watch you make another one of your beautiful sticks. ❤

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Debbie, i'll be doing more stick films in the future

[@stevebaker6711]

Your spot on there m8 about cutting sticks in the autumn and winter. I sometimes see good sticks in the summer and I think, I'll come back in the winter months to see what its like after a full summer of growth. Spot on about the safety gear.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching Steve, its a bummer when you cant remember where they were though!!🤣🤣👀

[@briankirkup]

Well done Simon a great video. I used to make walking sticks myself at one time but some kind person or persons cleaned my shed out of tools etc but it is what it is. Anyhow take care keep going. B. K.

[@simoneardley]

Sorry to hear that Brian, never too late to start again.

[@steviebye1]

Cheers Simon, love a stick.

[@seankirk333]

Simon,.! your hazel walking sticks is how I discovered your channel,..ps my favourite Birds are Barn owl, Kestrel, n Sparrow Hawk but absolutely love the classic Tawny owl call,. Who doesn't,. Take care👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Sean, aye we love a raptor!!👍🏼

[@seankirk333]

@simoneardley we do, although not seen my local Barn owl yet,

[@amt1164]

Great video and those trousers come in various colours

[@scottmcintosh2988]

The alox Farmer is an excelent knife I have the Farmer X with scizors ! I also have a Work Champ 6 lawyer 111 mm size too !

[@michaeltreadwell777]

That was brilliant 🙂

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Michael 👍🏼

[@Sthilboy56]

Have just been out to cut some walking sticks , then this video popped into my feed 👍👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Hope you got a good haul!!👌🏼🤞🏼

[@Sthilboy56]

@ have a few spots no one seams to know about so always have a good supply 👍👍

[@jamesg-or8rp]

another great video keep them coming

[@paulbaldwin2290]

Your a talented man Simon! another great video 👍

[@simoneardley]

Why thankyou Paul

[@littlemike50]

Just got around to watching this one❤. I have literally dozens of walking sticks collected over the years, some oiled some varnished mostly hazel but a bit of an assortment of others. My favorite being a lovley knobdly holly one collect while on a family picnic in the new forest about 30 years ago. Shut up Michael. All the best as always, Mike E...😂

[@simoneardley]

Surprising how a stick can revive all those memories Mike 👍🏼

[@simonoconnorable]

That land is lucky to have found yourself as it's caretaker, Mr. Eardley.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Simon, I'm lucky to be its custodian 👍🏼

[@stephenaskew1477]

Brilliant video Simon. I came across your video and loved it. Went into some local woods and used my phone to identify hazel. Found hundreds of trees. Thank you.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Stephen, tell me where you live. I'm coming for em!!!🤣🤣

[@leemanton3169]

Another great video Simon, your a man of many talents.

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou Lee

[@DavesRabbitHole]

Fig rolls and a brew, a man after my own heart 😂 I’m always out and about walking my dog in areas with plenty of hazel, and being something of a camper and walker I have a Swiss army knife with a saw and a Baco saw, I’ll put them in my pocket next time I’m out. It’s always good to have something to do in the winter.

[@simoneardley]

It'll keep you busy for sure in the dark months Dave

[@JavierBonillaC]

That snake-like stick is fantastic.

[@simoneardley]

Aye its a belter, looking forward to making that one 👌🏼

[@Rob.1340]

Fantastic, cheers Simon. All the best. 👍👍😎

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Rob

[@geoffsimpson1167]

Ye he’s a sound man simon

[@chrismc2090]

Great video Simon, like others have said here and what we discussed at the Bird fare, my first recollection of your channel was the original thumb stick video. Great work! Chris

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Chris

[@brainleavy6934]

Great clip enjoy your walk true the woods cutting your sticks

[@simoneardley]

Thank you, I will

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

It would be a poor hobby for me if I were making the sticks for myself. I have one of hickory that I cut back in the late '70s or early '80s that I'm still using. I wore off several inches of the bottom before I thought to put a rubber tip on it. That tip also made it quieter on the trail because it no longer made a noise when I bumped little rocks with it while hiking. It's only about an inch thick and very light weight but it is great for helping me keep my balance and for taking some of the muscle strain off my arthritic hips. It greatly improves my endurance at my age too. The bark has a nice smooth, reddish color now because I hand rub it once in a while with the same wood treatment I use on my oil finished gun stocks. I cut it abut 6-ft long to start with because I used on hillsides and gullies and often had to use it on the down-hill side because I had my squirrel rifle on the other side in some precarious slopes. It saved my @$$ from falls many times except once when the the ground gave way and we all went down together: stick, me and the rifle. But using the stick to stay mostly upright kept any of us from getting hurt. Then I used the stick to help me climb back up to the top. Believe me, I'm a big fan of walking sticks and consider them a necessity when I go out. I've almost always used hiking sticks as far back as I can remember. but now at age 82 I sometimes can't get out at all without the aid of a walking stick. You have a great hobby, Simon, and I wish you a lot of luck with it.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Clifton, even at 82 youre still getting out. Thats the main thing. All the best, Si

[@patgorman4347]

Hi Simon nice to see you back at the sticks keep up the great work. Pat in Ireland

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Pat, plenty of stick work to come

[@mrswinklesniff]

Well Simon I have just found you, very interesting video I will be catching up on all the others. I am retired and used to have a belt line in my possesion in my job it was a very important and usefull bit of kit. I've been out 19 years now. hope you are enjoying yourself. Kind regards Paul from West Yorkshire.

[@simoneardley]

Living the dream Paul!! Welcome to the channel🔥👊

[@geoff2212]

Brilliant video, very informative.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Geoff 👍🏼

[@fion1flatout]

I started carrying a little folding pruning saw on my bike cos lots of bridleways were really overgrown.. about 15 yearz ago.. was amazed by how useful it was

[@simoneardley]

Always handy to carry something like that, the swiss army knives are ace for this👌🏼

[@EireGenX]

I like the silky 180 for its size it's about the same size as the lap lander but silky cutting power.

[@MartinParsons-tr6wi]

The F180 is my main tool as a gardener/woodsman. I get years of use out of them. An old one that lost it's tip still serves well for cutting roots

[@simoneardley]

Silkys are fantastic, well worth the extra money 👍🏼

[@andirutherford2615]

Must get loads of British hazelnuts, smaller than bought ones but lovely taste, and my (wild red squirrels) love them, if not ripe just leave in a dark drawer for a few weeks

[@simoneardley]

We do get lots Andi but the bloody Greys get them before we have chance to pick em!!

[@andirutherford2615]

@@simoneardley another reason to remove greys

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Great video my friend

[@simoneardley]

Thanks James

[@johneast7987]

Very interesting Simon, well done. About 10 years ago we stayed in a cottage on the edge of Tobermory which was run by a Lancashire guy called John Marsh and his Wife. He had a large workshop and storeroom for making walking sticks and items made from antlers and horns. He also had a shop called Island Crafts. He had plastic drain pipes for steaming his sticks. I wonder if you came across him? Thank you for the video.

[@simoneardley]

Hi John.Small world eh, yes I know John Marsh. He and his wife were indeed originally from Lancs and I used to sell some of my artwork in their shop. He's very talented and makes some great deer antler products.

[@alanarmer8069]

Another great video,thanks Simon 👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Alan

[@Youngatheart419]

Well Simon stumbled onto this channel now subscribed and watching the back catalogue . Superb channel!!

[@simoneardley]

Welcome along and thanks for the sub 👊🏼👍🏼

[@Digg3r]

Brilliant video as always. What is the music at 34 minutes I want to download it

[@AndyGreenWildlife]

Super mate. Loved it. Pop one in the post will you? 😊

[@stephenbrown5844]

Fantastic and fascinating simon,, always stick making,, i make my snare and net pegs out of Hazel 😁👊❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧great footage

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Stephen, its a really versatile natural resource 👍

[@philippaday7805]

Love your channel! I could listen and watch your videos all day you seem like a top bloke, great interaction with the camera! Very talented man not only with your photography but your art when you paint your sticks! Is there anywhere where we can purchase a stick? 😊

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Philippa, very kind. If you email me I can send you details about the sticks 👍🏼

[@carlos1982]

Fantastic deffo going to give this ago now

[@simoneardley]

Go for it Carlos 👊🏼👍🏼

[@michaelwallwork7482]

There might not be any bird photography in this vlog, but still a great video. I've made a hide in the past with Hazel sticks for filming badgers 👍. Cheers Simon 👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Michael, its a very versatile resource is Hazel

[@rpaz_photo]

Hi, nice video, I always have one ready at home for outings. But in my area I was always told that the hazel should be cut during the first waning moon in January so that the wood would be more resistant. I don't know if it can be done at other times, since I've done it that way since I was a kid. Greetings from the north of Spain.

[@simoneardley]

That sounds a very specific time!!! As long as the stick is seasoned properly I dont see an issue really 👍🏼

[@andirutherford2615]

Daft question but ever thought of putting the screw that fits in the bottom of a camera, i often am out in the lakes and think “how handy a walking pole with the ability to use as a monopod. Yeah crazy but ….

[@simoneardley]

Never thought of that Andi, might be worth a look 👀👍🏼

[@IanGrayTheGrayMan]

Excellent, thanks Simon. Interested in the trousers you were wearing - Sherwood, I think you said. Any more details you can give? Thanks, Ian

[@nickfosterxx]

Nice video, I've hunted for specific bits of hazel before to make a temporary easel, patience always rewarded! But, for me a stick has to have a wrist loop and importantly a hookish handle for pulling fruit within reach! But you've inspired me to figure that bit out. Now I'm going to keep an eye open for specially appealing staves. Cheers. Edit: dang, just realised i could perhaps steam bend one of the thumb arms, leave it a bit longer etc. Right. Challenge accepted. No wait, I'll just look for holly or blackthorn... Edit edit: also, gotta get one of those wire saws for when they're all bunched together. duh. : )

[@simoneardley]

Sounds like your gonna be busy Nick. Its such a great timber, the sticks are out there youve just got to find em!!👀👀🤞🏼

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Hi Simon , just found you channel a couple of days ago ,brilliant ! The thumb stick one was great . I've got the " raw Y stick " which has been crying for 12 months at least . Can you tell me how to do the tip please ,it's the only thing I'm not sure about . Cheers , Peter

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching, I've got a new thumbstick film out soon. The tip method will be on that👍

[@MartinParsons-tr6wi]

You can sharpen the larger Silkys with the right file. I think that applies to the Zubatt

[@simoneardley]

I'll look into that Martin, cheers

[@MartinParsons-tr6wi]

@@simoneardley You're welcome. Keep up the good work 👍

[@woodnugget1301]

Perfect timing I’m just about to start going out looking this next week. May I ask what make the ground cloth you sat on is please? Cheers Ian

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Ian, I make them myself. Drop me an email if you want details.

[@jonosman6340]

What ground sheet is that your using whilst having your brew please ? Brilliant video

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching, I make them myself. Drop us an email for details 👍🏼

[@nemofirefly6397]

Give me shifts Simon you are pick 3

[@simoneardley]

@@nemofirefly6397 Haha, funny guy🤣🤣

[@mogsybriggs5930]

I have discovered your videos simon and i am going to give it a go making some sticks and have collected some nice ones, what other wood could be used.

[@simoneardley]

Great stuff, welcome along. Good luck with the sticks👍🏼

[@mr.b.4048]

Always carry my Swiss Army Camper knife with the saw blade when out walking, just in case.

[@simoneardley]

A great tool to have about you 👍🏼

[@paulguntrip3533]

Great video. Can I ask why you keep the bark on when others sand this off?

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Paul, I've never seen people removing bark off hazel. The beauty of the stick is in the bark colouration.👍🏼

[@tanner2stryker2]

Found a belter today a silver Hazel with a cup thumb very unusual never found one before in over 30 years

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Tanner, you never know what youre gonna find out there!!👀👌🏼

[@daveneal9033]

I cut my first stick with a Swiss army knife too.

[@simoneardley]

Theyre a top tool Dave 👍🏼

[@philipmccann2358]

Attach the string saw to a bent twig and make a bow saw

[@9oldfingers349]

Brilliant as per usual, great to hear the hide has a customer!, Question do you ever use rose, I have some fantastic ones near me I fancy cutting, TY

[@simoneardley]

Never used Rose, like i said the vast majority are Hazel,

[@Sw33ty75]

Fantastic video Simon loved your other video on stick making. Little question what's the optimum height for a thumb stick in relation to someone's body?

[@simoneardley]

Thanks very much, personal preference really but usually if your forearm is a right angles to your body thats not a bad marker.

[@Sw33ty75]

@simoneardley thanks very much, my other half's father made me one but have been thinking it's a bit to long. Went & watched your other video again after this one & think I will try & find some Hazel but it seems a bit hard to find around here

[@grantcook5376]

Just subscribed . What was your ground sheet made of?

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Grant, I make them myself. Email me if you want some info on them.

[@stephenhancock86]

Hi Simon, my first time on your enjoyable channel. I use to make sticks years ago,Just started back up again. It Great fun looking for sticks,my Labrador loves the walk too. I noticed you only cut shanks,do you cut larger branches to make one piece head sticks? For carving Animal heads etc ?

[@simoneardley]

Welcome along Stephen. I have done in the past but when the stick is seasoned the top can be hard to carve. I'd rather carve in lime and attach the head to the stick.👍🏼

[@MrACOUSTICPETE]

Just a small correction to my earlier comment that would be " drying " not " crying ! " 😅 bless this predictive spelling !!!

[@andrewsmith1348]

I’ve never wow 😉

[@davideardley4363]

Great stuff and we share the same sir name

[@thevalleywalker]

This is really weird..... lasdt night I was chatting to a friend Gary and he told me you had appeared on his pubcast. This morning I came to have a look and get this - I have literally discovered this morning that I lost my walking stick - sometime in the last 2 weeks but only last night did I realise it was not in my car or in the house., I must have put it down whilst out and left it. Gutted.. it was a present from the wife . Its one of thos thumbstick canes made from hazel.

[@simoneardley]

Yes I was asked on the Photography Pubcast, it was a good experience. I've done it myself where I've lost a stick that I've made. Very annoying especially when it was a gift.

[@grantcook5376]

Hi again any chance of an answer regarding the small ground sheet you used . Name supplier etc . Thanks in advance.

[@simoneardley]

Hi Grant, I make them myself. I'm waiting for a material delivery so drop me an email and I'll give you some details. [e-mail]

[@therotundrider2456]

Hi Simon. Do you sell the sticks anywhere? I'd love to buy one.

[@simoneardley]

If you email me at [e-mail] I can get some details to you

[@jkohler607]

Nice video. What was that roll up thingy that you used to sit on when you took your break ?

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching, they're a photography mat that i produce myself. They will be available soon for sale, drop me an email for details 👍🏼

[@andirutherford2615]

Your starting to remind me of Jack Hargreaves …… off “How” when I was a kid

[@simoneardley]

An honour indeed, I used to love 'Out of Town' when I was a kid 👍🏼

[@tikkathreebarrels]

Aye, first time at your channel: liked and subscribed now. Cracking episode. Your offcuts like the bits from above the thumb V: do you shive them in the ground to root and grow on? Your accent: I'm not familiar with the bit of Wales where folk talk gradely? Your vowels are like mine;-)

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the sub and hope you enjoy the channel, Lancs born and bred!!

[@Midgard_Zemlja]

Sir try to cut the tree in winter on the day of full moon. Quality of wood will be so bigger than regular cut. Per old slavic tribe,the tree cuted on fool moon on winter will last longer and wooden worm will not atack stick. Good luck.

[@simoneardley]

Ive heard this before but when I'm out and I see a stick it gets cut regardless of the moon. I'm not sure it would make any difference and somewhat limit your gathering window!!

[@anthonyomahoney6088]

Hello mate, can you put a link yo your bag?

[@simoneardley]

www.military1st.co.uk/tb-bst-np-m3-helikon-bushcraft-satchel-melange-grey.html

[@richardh1764]

How do you straighten the sticks?

[@simoneardley]

I use as steaming tube and a heat gun too.

[@richardh1764]

@simoneardley is that before or after it's sat for a year?

[@tanner2stryker2]

We get a lot of good shanks damaged by roe deer bucks

[@simoneardley]

Thats something we dont have round here, no deer!!!!🙄

[@stephenparkin9855]

i have a sak farmer.have cut lots of sticks with it from a coppiced hazel area when out with dog.only problem is a guy with a chainsaw raids it if i am latein season.🥴

[@simoneardley]

Gotta get in there early Stephen

[@algygraham1870]

Can you tell me who is playing the lovelly acustic guitar track at around 28.00 please.

[@simoneardley]

Its called 'Empty Sky'. Search for Wanderers Trove on KZbin.

[@asmith7876]

What a beautiful piece of land! 3 acres in the UK? You must be rich! 🤣🤣🤣.

[@simoneardley]

I WAS!!!!🤣🤣

[@randyallamon7603]

The pattern on the one stick is called " spalting" and is caused by fungus, not snails.

[@jasonshepherd9906]

Why not make a 3 leg seat to sit on then on the ground then you can can just put it away.

[@geoffsimpson1167]

Simon give John March an email about the snake like bark on your stick he lives on Mull and he and his lads are top class stick makers Google john march the mull stickman

[@simoneardley]

Hi Geoff, I know John. He's the one that told me about the patternation on the Hazel!!! He has a great shop in Tobermory, "Island Crafts" that has some fantastin stuff. 👍🏼👌🏼

[@grantcook5376]

Juast

[@Tak8835]

That's no Welsh accent... "Going for a Mooch" I'm thinking Blackburn

[@simoneardley]

Not far off, Bamber Bridge!! Good guess though😀

[@simonartley1645]

Hello Simon are you able to make a wading staff for salmon fishing....longer than a walking stick..lead weighted on the end to sit on the river bed in a fast current? Traditionally made of hazel I have one that is about 30 years old.....(original made by an old expert near Northallerton) Simon Artley Manchester

[@simoneardley]

Hi Simon, ive made them before yes. Drop me an email and we'll get some details over to you 👍🏼