There are no hard/fast rules for stick diameter that I'm aware of. I like a stick 1.25" to 1.75" diameter for support ease of carry. On the other hand I have some sticks that are closer to 2" or so and I have whittled down the grip area for comfort.
Some of the members here texture the grip area, while others wrap with leather or paracord. I have done all three. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder " they say. Attached pics are: Textured grip, leather wrap grip, paracord wrap grip & plain grip. I have even wrapped the grip area of sticks with jute twine. How you finish a stick is limited only by your imagination.
Some of the members here texture the grip area, while others wrap with leather or paracord. I have done all three. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder " they say. Attached pics are: Textured grip, leather wrap grip, paracord wrap grip & plain grip. I have even wrapped the grip area of sticks with jute twine. How you finish a stick is limited only by your imagination.