Unusual Materials

2942 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by alador, Dec 23, 2015

Rodney

Discussion Starter · Dec 19, 2015

Ron T's thread http://walkingstickforum.com/topic/1350-what-kind-of-wood-is-that/prompted this.

I've seen cane and walking stick shanks made from all sorts of things. Some antiques were made from the spines of sharks or snakes, whale bone, etc. Ron's cane was made from the seed stalk of a palm.

I watched a YouTube video where the guy makes a cane from the stalk of a Mullein plant.

I think I've seen it growing here. I might give it a shot if I find some.

I'm just wondering what you all have used or seen used?

Rodney

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Rodney

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 19, 2015

I plan to experiment with casting pewter for collars and ferrules. I already have one mold made for it. I just have to order the pewter.

The low melting temperature is a big plus.

I've been looking at a lot of antique canes. Malacca was considered one of (if not the) best materials for shanks. So far I haven't been able to find any suppliers for less than a container load of the stuff.

Here's a great example of a pizzle stick: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-UNIQUE-ELK-HANDLE-BULL-PENIS-BARLEY-TWISTED-SHAFT-WALKING-STICK-CANE-/371490678328?hash=item567e91e638:g:5eIAAOSwkZhWRK8V

Most are much plainer.

Rodney

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Rodney

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 20, 2015

Thanks Alador! Great site!.

Rodney

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Rodney

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 21, 2015

We can grow it here but I can't say it thrives. I have seen the flower stalks once or twice. They were 5 or 6 ft tall. I couldn't say how big around they were. I think they get much bigger in their native range.

Rodney

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