I like a 1" hardwood stick, it's light and easy to carry. Never thought of one until I went into thickets looking for moss. I was tripping over Greenberg vines, and cut a small sapling to beat them out of the way. Later that day I found it was a good digging tool and kept this old cripple from falling down on uneven ground. Now I plan to make one with a fork in the top, so when I come across a rattler, I can either flick it out of the way, or pin it's head to the ground and use it for a meal. I don't varnish my stuck, I sand it down, stain it, then take it down to 1,000 grit to make it shiny and smooth, then put a coat of Linseed oil over it. Eventually varnish will crack and flake, then you have to sand it back down to refinish it. Linseed oil doesn't do that, and if you want to shine it up again, just put another coat on it. Remember, it's just a stick to work with, not a piece of furuture. Mine shines like fine furniture with easy maintainence.

They were sanded. Debarked first. We're getting ready to do a video for a draw knife. It can be used for skinning sticks or logs. One day I plan to leave the one walking stick of mine next to a trail. Sort of a gift to a hiker and to continue the walking stick's story. -Krik

@bobcragle1085

4 жыл бұрын

good

@N-1951

2 жыл бұрын

👍🏻 nice idea?

In town or in the woods, I feel naked without my walking staff. When I watch backpackers with all their high-tech gear on their backs, & they aren`t using trekking poles or a staff, I always say to myself: they`re one fall, one twisted ankle, one wrenched knee away from "seeing the light." Five dog licenses of canine Family members past, dangle from a loop just below my staff`s grip. We still "walk together" everyday...John Muir is the iconic naturalist/backwoods traveler who always used a hiking staff on his journeys...You`ve got some fine hiking staff material there, son. Hike On !

I have found over the years to look on hillsides for my walking stick because they tend to have a bend in them naturally right at ground level so I dig around the base of the trunk and cut below the surface to get my sticks

@christopherharter5126

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@knrst9061

2 жыл бұрын

You can tie younglings at their base for future use. My father in law has been making staffs for people for 20 years.

Where I live there is a lot of really thick brush so I always carry a stick to sweep out in front of me and push the brush aside, I always carry mine at about the halfway point seems more comfortable when im not using it as a probe.

Your stick that you did wood burning turned out really nice! I made one and I love mine too, it has two crooks in it. Walking sticks are great for going up steep grades and going down hills as well. The trails have lots of big roots and small rocks. Sticks are also great for clearing trails of debris.

I have a walking staff but its actually just a broom stick that I bought for a few bucks at ace hardware. It works great. Good video. Cheers

@eugenevictortooms4174

Жыл бұрын

Same. I bought an oak dowel, stained & oiled it, & it's great.

Interesting..... Thank you for sharing. I like all the walking sticks you showed!

I really like using my walking stick. I use it most of the time, it's good for balance and support.

Really enjoyed your video. I'm have a question. I have a few walking sticks I found and noticed in the center of where I cut them there's on tiny little black spot if I cut a little pass that it fades away but is a little soft if I poke my blade thru it. Is this normal? Or is it rotten from indeed out or termites? I really like them but I don't want to continue on them if no good. Thanks

I've lived out in the thick woods in south Alabama for over 30 years. I have multiple walking sticks I've made when I'm bored. But I can say they have saved my life in the woods. I've had to defend myself against wild animal attacks. But the main use my walking sticks have accomplished is snakes. I have killed dozens of snakes with my walking sticks. It's a great primitive tool to have.

@papa_squat

Жыл бұрын

Why kill snakes? Theyre not after you.

Look forward to it. I've got a quite nice Arno brand drawknife in my shed, I use it for making axe handle tops fit nicely.

Krik, I just read this last night. Then I saw your video today, I am now convinced that walking sticks are a valuable piece of gear.

@BlackOwlOutdoors

8 жыл бұрын

+kc329191 Yea they can be annoying at times to carry. But they're definitely worth it.

'Sometimes I like to just take a stick for a walk'

@touxiong519

4 жыл бұрын

Lol is it because you don't need to pick up after them.

great info, love the quote on your stick.. explains very well what i have been trying to put in the right words.....why i go to the desert much more than the forest.

@charlesaanonson3954

5 жыл бұрын

HaHa, I have often said that North Carolina would be a much nicer place if they would cut down all of the trees so that a person could see the place.

jo stick works perfectly for me, hiking or self-defense

My walking stick has helped my traverse slippery tocks when i was carrying heavy bags its a wonderful companion to see where it gets muddy aswell,

I have a WSH Wood Sheep Hook from Tractor Supply and cut down to a long Walking Cane ! And the cane has many uses... tjl

i am not saying anything is wrong here but i will say that fitting a cane to "old folks", the elbow should be at about 25 to 30 degrees, because that is where their musculature has greatest advantage [about a 10" difference, than you preach] so far, i find them for rough down hills and toss them aside i am looking at mono-pods and what you've said here is good food for thought

...IF you are in the very WRONG circumstances of walking on ice...do NOT ever break it w/ you stick! I think what he means is IF you're walking on unknown terrain and powdery snow you can check for depth so as not to walk off into a snow drift.

@jamesaritchie1

6 жыл бұрын

There's nothing at all wrong with walking on ice. In many places, it's the only way to get where you're going without taking four days. You even ride snowmobiles on the ice. I don't know why you think there's something wrong with walking on ice? It's perfectly normal. People even skate on it. And believe me, punching the ice ahead of you with your stick is a very good idea. If the ice cracks even a tiny bit, you take a different direction. You also want to feel for open water under the snow, which happens surprisingly often. Without probing ahead, you could, and probably would, walk right into the hole.

It had never occurred to me to keep the sticks I find and use on bushwalks. I've discarded some great ones, too. I reckon I'll be following suit and collect a fee. Did you sand the first couple you showed back? or are they just barkless?

Which wood is use to make this walking stick?

those are nice, I have a couple that I made from spruce I varnished a couple to last, they're good for nature walks, hiking.

like the idea of adding the found and date 👏

I strip the bark and carve some, and leave the bark on others. I have a Mora knife mounted on my survival stick, along with a small bicycle water bottle. The grip is wrapped with paracord, and has a lanyard though the stick so I can't drop it, and so no one can pull it away from me. The mount that holds a bottle on a bike is perfect for holding it on the stick. I've seen all sorts of sticks, and all sorts of things mounted on sticks. Walking sticks are fun to make, fun to experiment with, and can be habit forming.

guiding my first Alpenstock workshop next week and I need some ideas for making comfortable, water-proof grips for our walking sticks. what are your ideas - paracord? tennis racket handle grip tape? ranger bands? other ideas?

@BlackOwlOutdoors

9 жыл бұрын

Look Ma! Those are all great ideas. I was just deciding how to give my staff more grip on the ends. I think I'm going to try a combination of ranger bands and strips of tube. Let me know what you decide to use. -Krik

@jamesritchie6899

8 жыл бұрын

+Look Ma! I wish I could remember what it was called, but can't. There a kind of tape made specifically for such things. It comes in plain, in colors, and in camouflage, and works really well. You can even wrap the entire stick in it. I ran out, but haven't bought more because I haven't needed any. But any of your ideas will work well. I've used paracord with ranger bands over it, but gave up on using anything else some time ago. The paracord and ranger bands work well for a survival stick, but I prefer bark, or a plain stick. If I want grip on a woods stick,, I leave the bark on where I typically hold the stick, even if I want to strip the bark off elsewhere.

This man speaks to turtles! Impressive.

A lot of times having a walking stick when you squat down helps you to stand back up.

@ordinarypete

Жыл бұрын

That’s what brought me here.

Hello. Where did you get those stick ? Are they from a company or did you make them ? Thank You for Your time.

@BlackOwlOutdoors

10 жыл бұрын

the stick was made by us. thanks for watching. - stony

@MrEdium

10 жыл бұрын

BlackOwlOutdoors Beautiful Work. Do you sell them ?

@Mr69abody

8 жыл бұрын

+Black Owl Outdoors any chance selling me the one from the video?

I make all my own hiking staffs. I never strip the bark off. No need to worry about coming up with some kind of grip that way. The bark works perfect for that all by itself.

@BlackOwlOutdoors

9 жыл бұрын

do you find an accelerated rate of decay with the bark on?

@eqlzr2

9 жыл бұрын

I use Bay Laurel and have had the same sticks for probably 10 yrs. They look just like they did in year 1.

@jamesritchie6899

8 жыл бұрын

+Black Owl Outdoors It depends on the wood, and the drying process. I have a walnut stick that's five years old, and it's better than the day I cut it. Many hardwoods hold their bark nearly forever, if you cut them live, in the fall or, better, the winter, and let them dry properly. I find hickory almost always loses its bark quickly, though. So does ash. I've had great luck with basswood and sassafras. The trouble with basswood is that it's one of the best carving woods in existence, and I always want to use it for that. It's easy to find in the wild, but unbelievably expensive to buy for carving. Laurel is good, and so is maple. But some wood is just too pretty to leave the bark on.

Well shot video!

I strongly believe humans and primates in general probably have a deep rooted intrigue in sticks, I love em, if I find a nice straight hefty stick you’re damn right I’m keeping it

lol me and my stick goin for a walk

Heroes in a half shell!

Do you recommend a particular wood? I have started searching for the perfect walking stick and the pursuit appears to be much like the perfect fixed blade or perfect folder (right now it is my para 2, who knows for next month). Your mileage may very, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.... and so on BUT Each wood gives some advantage ( much like each steel) and I would love to hear what others think is the "right" wood for a good walking stick or staff.

@phillipelias341

8 жыл бұрын

I simply use what is available in my area, which is oak.

@michaelreed649

8 жыл бұрын

+Phillip Elias That makes sense

@jamesritchie6899

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Reed If you want pretty, almost any wood that strikes your eye will work well. If you want strength, use hickory. In a pinch, you can even turn it into a bow. Oak works well, too, as does yew. Hickory is the classic, though. It's available almost everywhere, and there's a reason the use it for such things as axe handles and bows.

@michaelreed649

8 жыл бұрын

+James Ritchie Thanks for the suggestion. It makes since that Hickory is prime material. I just asked because we have a lot of Sycomore near here and wondered about it.

@jamesritchie6899

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Reed We have sycamore around here, too, but I've never tried it. If you do, I'd love to know how it works out.

What is the difference between a walking stick and a staff?

When he reached up into the tree. I thought he was going to say the stick is good for knocking down wasp's nests. Then he started talking about the girth and how the curve on the staff was more comfortable and starts stroking it up and down. I lost it.

Your sticks are basically the size of the Japanese Jo staff, so, if you want to practice defense techniques with them, look into the Jo techniques taught by Aikido and other Japanese arts.

Thinking would want walking stick longer when going down hills. If slip, do not want end of the stick around chest where would hit your ribs and mess you.

@keithcooper6715

5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely ! - On steep hills you should have a staff a few inches taller than yourself. - You can impale yourself on a Nordic pole or shorter staff. A longer staff with a hard wood ball on the end is a real advantage.

Speaking as a Western fella, deserts are kind of beautiful in their own ways.

@leshomorego

6 жыл бұрын

Duke Makedo, yeah, and man had nothing to do with making them. This kid is steeped in environmental indoctrination thanks to public education.

@fjb4932

2 жыл бұрын

D M, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ...

I have a question is specifically for Stony. Do you use a trekking pole or hiking stick? I ask because I found that it is a pain to have a walking staff or anything really while using a camera. The delay to pull up the camera isn't a deal breaker (altho I do tend to carry my camera in hand at all times out of fear of "missing the shot" but even when I carry the camera at the side and such. Balancing the staff (poles seem even harder) and getting the shot and not dropping anything (scaring off the wildlife) is a trick that I haven't learned. Is there a system you use? Or is the "system" more like mine, leave the staff at home or in the car. With my knees, I would like to try trekking poles but not at the expense of missing the shot. Any advice or Suggestions would be appreciated.

@BlackOwlOutdoors

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Reed This is Krik. Stony does not use a trekking pole or walking stick. You just can't when you're carrying a camera the entire time. There are many sacrifices he makes while we're out so he's able to film the entire time.

@michaelreed649

8 жыл бұрын

+Black Owl Outdoors OK, well that was what I was afraid you would say. lol

@mikewright5268

8 жыл бұрын

+Michael Reed the >mefoto walkabout ????????????

@michaelreed649

8 жыл бұрын

+Mike Wright That is a cool idea. 2 in 1. Is it stable as a walking stick? It looks like a good monopod but is it strong enough to be a hiking stick for a 200 pound man in the woods? If so, What a great combo.

@mikewright5268

8 жыл бұрын

it won't be a digging stick, it is listed to hold 30 lbs, if you open it all the way and close each section about 3-4 inches before locking, i think you'll like it.

Very nice :o) I just found a suitable branch on my walk today, that I'm going to make into a walking stick. I think it's alderwood. It's quite thick, so if someone has an idea of how I can make it thinner without power tools, please let me know.

@BlackOwlOutdoors

10 жыл бұрын

You can simply thin the stick by using a knife. Knives that have a Scandinavian grind are great for wood working. -Krik

@BlueNoodle79

10 жыл бұрын

That's funny, 'cause I'm from Denmark :o) I was also thinking about using a really Sharp Draw knife. Would that Work?

@lookmavideo

9 жыл бұрын

shrink ray

@BlueNoodle79

9 жыл бұрын

That would be awesome :o)

@N-1951

2 жыл бұрын

Draw knife or spoke shave. Spoke shaves are a little trickier to eat up properly but give you great control once set.

I make mine longer, length is at head height. The top should be a little wider than the base for walking balance.

the video strikes me as fine, it is the whole conversation that throws me why would anyone plan to carry a stick everywhere they go?

@traildog_adventures

5 жыл бұрын

Mike Wright why would anyone voluntarily use a cane or the high tech "trekking poles". There are myriad uses for a hiking staff/stick, remember hike your own hike.

Kool

Dude. I just realized you look just like my cousin.

I used my trusty Irish blackthorn.

Lol sorry but I could just imagine someone crossing a frozen lake while poking the ice with a stick. I could see the person breaking through the ice while in the middle of the lake, falling to an eternal frozen sleep.

If you didn’t know how to use a stick, now you do!

You had me at "get your Donatello on"

Mmm that’s a nice stick. Yup.

What! They named a lake after me?

I was told years ago by my Granddaddy that you need a walking stick that is big around enough and tall enough (long enough and thick enough) to fit under a walker's or hiker's armpit so they might use it as a crutch of sorts... I have twisted my ankle a couple times and would have liked to have a stick to help me limp out of the woods or rocks. This is just some advice I received from the greatest man I have ever known next to The Lord God Almighty. He always included me on fishing trips or hunting trips and taught me so much. He loved me and I love being with him and my Grandmaw. I love and miss them so much...

@blusnuby2

4 жыл бұрын

Find the best photo of your grampa, put it where you see it/him everyday, & say a few words to him daily or weekly. In this way HE will always be close & never gone...It might (also) be nice for you to make a hiking staff with your grampa`s name burnt or carved into it, to honor HIS memory. In this way you will never walk alone.....

You're called Black Owl, your symbol is a penguin, and you call viewers turtles?

@gregkis

5 жыл бұрын

Where do you live? I've never seen a penguin with horns like an owl. Oh that was your attempt at a joke? 👎

@RepostCollection

4 жыл бұрын

@@gregkis ?

@gregkis

4 жыл бұрын

@@RepostCollection what?

@dontclickonmychannel400

4 жыл бұрын

@@gregkis the symbol he used 5 years ago is definitely not an owl

@maysondavis2827

3 жыл бұрын

i know it's pretty randomly asking but do anybody know a good place to watch new series online?

It's not a disguise if people know your identity. Shhhh. It's hard out here for a rat.

A man can destroy a planet. A woman can destroy a man. I’m Dances with Turtles.

2:23

Elvis lives!!!

Nice video, but it sounds a little like you are trying to justify why a grown man would use a walking stick instead of modern trekking poles. Me? I just like sticks. I never grew out of it. I was trekking with one kind or another since I was six. My current walking staff served me for over twenty years now. Which brings me to the next point: You don't use those very often, do you? The first two at least. They are too clean and the foot on them look pristine. I lost about an inch or two of my staff just from abrasion in the rough tarrain. Good thing that someone is still using the old ways :)

@thesanfranciscoseahorse473

5 жыл бұрын

I good solid stick has more uses than a trekking pole in my opinion.

Oh lord😅

Man! This walking stick is thick! Little John style kzread.info/dash/bejne/doyT2ppqk5urmag.html

Your stick has a lot of "characteristic" lol

Lay off the dope dude!

Should've gone over proper technique

Get a better MIC!!!!!!!!!

Why do all Americans have to be so defensive ? everything from a . 22 bullet to a stick is described as a defensive weapon. Relax not everyone is out to get you. I was enjoying your video till that point.

@amamama8704

7 жыл бұрын

hairy 1 hmmmm good point maybe I am to defensive it's the way our leaders make us. Cuz we got to defend our family homes from them or the regular guy from down the street. I'm quite interested to kno what country do you live in hairy

@greyscaledream

7 жыл бұрын

hairy 1 A lot of America is still surrounded by wilderness. We have many more dangers besides humans, including but not limited to bears, mountain lions, rapid streams, and deadly falls down mountainsides! You dont have to get so mad about one guy describing a staff as a great defense weapon... the fact is that it is versatile and is a great defense from many things. Sorry you were offended but as an American I am more offended by the ignorance leaking out of your comment

@jamesaritchie1

6 жыл бұрын

No one said everyone is out to get is. But it only takes one person to be trouble. Everything is a defensive weapon, and if you really believe it isn't needed here, and right where you are, you're a damned fool who is playing the odds with your own life, and with the lives of everyone around you. In case you hadn't noticed, the world is a very dangerous place. There isn't a city in the world that's safe to walk around in without being very careful where you go, and the wilderness is a far more dangerous place that most imaging. Three hundred people per year go missing, and are never seen again. And that's in one wilderness area. This is why Americans are so defensive, and it's why no one but a shelter adult would think it's odd. I don't know which country you're in, but check the crime rate. You are not safe, except by the odds. If you want to play the odds with your own life, go ahead. I don't, and won't do that, especially with people I love depending on me. I suggest you watch the evening news more often. No, everyone is not out to get us, but with a violent crimes every thirty seconds, a lot of people most certainly are out to get us. If it's all right with you, or even if it isn't, I'll just keep being a man and protecting myself and my loved ones.

@everettsmith942

6 жыл бұрын

hairy 1 why do you assume that the defense is in relation to people?

@dominick8656

6 жыл бұрын

What do you care?

it was helpful until he decided to justify his sexism with more sexism 🤷🏾

Stop calling your viewers “turtles” it’s alienating as hell!

@rath748

6 жыл бұрын

Rolo stfu

@edgaraquino2324

4 күн бұрын

Don't mind, as long as we are "happy together"....😊

Why would you even bring up the being sexist thing. you are talking about a walking stick, not some BS California crap. A man hikes with a walking stick and sometimes a woman does too. Not anything sexist about.

That's a walking log.way too big.

I have found over the years to look on hillsides for my walking stick because they tend to have a bend in them naturally right at ground level so I dig around the base of the trunk and cut below the surface to get my sticks

@RDaMyth

Жыл бұрын

Great tip. Thanks!

I have found over the years to look on hillsides for my walking stick because they tend to have a bend in them naturally right at ground level so I dig around the base of the trunk and cut below the surface to get my sticks