Walking Staffs

Would love to see any pictures of anyones staffs, and hear the different ideas that us Kiwis have for additions etc to them.

I have seen all sorts from other bushcraft sites around the world and was wondering if anyone knows of really unusual woods that are native to NZ that have great grain pattens etc such as curly maple and the like. Seems overseas you have some fantastic looking woods that really stand out, do we?

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Tohunga Comment by roy ernest brickell on May 27, 2012 at 20:10: We have a theory, you dont find walking sticks, they find you.!

I have some that I have aquired when in the bush. One, when my partner needed a stick, I noticed it lying next to her. I carved it over some days while camping, and still have it. Another, miles away in remote bush, Inoticed a stick that had been cut, not broken, and it turned out to be a walking stick made of lancewood someone must have left there years ago! What are the chances. Another, when trapping, I found as I nailed a trap to its twisted base.

Shrafter Comment by Scott Hamilton on January 8, 2012 at 9:09: Cheers for the suggestions, I like the idea of a walking staff, I would like to make one from a really well grained wood. I shall find out what these trees look like and try and find some.

Shrafter Comment by barnsey on January 7, 2012 at 22:43: Hi Scott,

i have no experience making walking sticks but have an book on native timbers.Reading it suggests some options.

Akeake -wood variegated yellow and black used for ornamental wood work and as well know very dense and srtong

Fushia

Hard compact with even texture used in jewellery manufacture because beautiful colour and grain of the heart wood

Kohwai

dense heavy straight grain and tough ,highly decorative

Hinau,

Maori tied knots in young trees and harvested them for walking stick

tough medium density