Just found this forum while looking for ideas for tips for the hedge canes and walking sticks I've started making since I retired. Made my first cane at scout camp years ago from a hickory tap root I found up rooted on a rock shelf and still have it, I figure I'll need it someday.
I've recently started cutting the lower dead limbs from hedge in my woods that die and airdry and carving canes from them, skinning down to the yellow or orange heartwood. color seems to depend on age. I'll try to get some pics to post of what i've done.