[MJC4]

This is another piece I reworked. Always loved the cherry shank but hated the T handle that I had attached poorly in my early days of sticking. I cut off the handle and attached this ball with a brass collar then added a braided paracord lanyard. The shaft is stained in dark walnut and the ball is done in golden oak for contrast. I am very pleased with how it turned out it might become my everyday walker.

 

[RandyL476]

Nice looking!! I like the ball handle. What size ball did you use? I made two canes with 2" ball handles last weekend and just put the last of the finish last night should have pictures by this weekend.

 

[MJC4]

Randy, this piece is made with a 2 1/2" ball. The 2 1/2" fits my hand comfortably. I made the Santa cane with a 2 1/8 " ball, better fit for a smaller hand. Actually these are dolls heads, they have a flat bottom and a pilot hole. They work well for attaching to a stick. I got them at the local big box craft store Hobby Lobby. If I continue using the doll heads I am going to look for another source that uses a domestic suppler as these pieces are imported. I prefer to support local business whenever possible. There is a supplier in Maine, Casey's Wood products that has 2 1/2" balls made in Maine

 

[Rodnogdog]

The brass collar makes for a nice translation.

 

[LilysDad]

The small balls on the paracord are a nice touch!

 

[norson]

could/would you please give more info on the paracords?

thanx

-neb

 

[Rodney]

Very nice stick! The collar and wrist strap really set it off.

Rodney

 

[MJC4]

Neb, this is the paracord (parachute cord) I use for the lanyards. It has 325 lb tensile strength and is about 1/8" dia. I make a flat 4 strand braid and drill my sticks with a 3/8 hole to accept the lanyard. Once the lanyard is threaded I tie the paracord together and wrap the knot tightly with electricians tape leaving the tag ends loose. The "knot package" with electric tape is hidden inside the stick and then I dress up the tag ends with wooden craft beads. The paracord is available at Hobby Lobby, Michaels and online. A plus its a made in the USA. I learned to braid from You Tube. There a ton of videos on how to braid paracord . The color combinations you can make with paracord braid are almost endless. With walking sticks I like to stay with the camo's ,browns or black combos. Earthy colors. Christmas themed pieces I have done in red/white and I did a Halloween witch themed lanyard in purple and black. I have also used rawhide to braid and deerskin leather though those two products are a bit pricier than the paracord.

 

[CV3]

Nice redo Mark. I like a ball grip to walk with. I am sure you will enjoy that one.

 

[Sean]

Looks very nice. Love the collar.