[w1cked1]

Just wanted to stop in and say hello. I just joined the forums and have been lurking for a couple of weeks. My name is Rob and I live in Richmond Va.

I have a marvelous Irish blackthorn walking stick on the way.You can view a video of it below.

Excited to be here and glad to meet you all.

 

[CV3]

Hi Rob,
Welcome to the forum. Looks like you are going to have a nice stick. Hope we can inspire you to make some for your self. But must tell you it is like eating chips, it is hard to stop at just one!:~}

 

[w1cked1]

Hi Rob,
Welcome to the forum. Looks like you are going to have a nice stick. Hope we can inspire you to make some for your self. But must tell you it is like eating chips, it is hard to stop at just one!:~}

I definitely plan on it.My son and I recently cut a few young Virginia cedars and are drying them out in our attic.I have them strapped to 2x4s and am adjusting every few days or so to make them as straight as possible.

I bought the blackthorn to have something to aspire to....and because it just looks badass!

What do you guys think of putting a brass compass in the ball? Do you think it will lower the value or be too hard for a beginner to do?

 

[smalltowngirl13]

Welcome aboard Rob!

 

[Rad]

Welcome to the site Rob -- and congratulations on the new stick!

 

[JJireh]

Welcome and nice gnarly knobby. Personally, I wouldn't touch that one. I'd keep it au natural so to speak. Insets aren't difficult really. It boils down to tracing and clearing. Trace the outline drill down to proper depth inside the lines, fit, adjust and epoxy. Look forward to seeing your work!

 

[cobalt]

welcome to the site

Its a straight foward job to fit that compass but looking forward so see end result

 

[Lacumo]

Welcome to WSF!

 

[gdenby]

Hi! I started making sticks just to help with weekend hikes. Purely a pastime. But, the more I did, the more more I did. I suspect you might, too.

While modern shillelaghs are walking sticks, they are just shortened versions of a weapon. Seem to me that a fragile compass in one would make it less authentic.

 

[MJC4]

Welcome aboard Rob. Newbie myself. I too "lurked" on the site for a few weeks before I joined. Making sticks and working with wood are a great way to relax and the wife and I get to hike and enjoy nature while I'm on the "hunt" for raw materials! Mark

 

[w1cked1]

Thanks all of you for the feedback.Still havent received the stick yet, hoping to get it mid-week this week. Communication by the seller is horrid.

Im rpobably just gonna leave it as is and save the compass for another stick.

 

[w1cked1]

Got the stick in today and it is GORGEOUS!

The finish is less smooth than I thought it would be but after a little thought, I realize that is from being stored in the chimney while coated with butter during the hardening process.The sandiness is from the ash particles.

Its has a copper and bone tip as well.

I am DEFINITELY leaving this one as-is and waiting to put the compass in a stick that Ive crafted.

 

[Fordj]

I would probably save your compass for one of the sticks you make yourself. It will mean more to you to put it on your own handmade stick.