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Project Information

This is a freeform cane handle made of Manzanita Burl. I tried to keep as much of the natural shape of the burl to enhance the form of the handle, yet shaped it to be comfortable and functional. The nature of the Manzanita Burl is unpredictable and full of voids and cracks so I have tried to work with them by filling them for stability and but not too altered to keep the natural beauty of the wood. I may try using some gemstone material, but sometimes that's too distracting from the natural grain of the wood.

In this piece you can see how the center grain of the wood veins out towards the edges and the change of colors closer to the bark area lightens and dimples. The collar is made of Brazilian Ebony to accent the Black Walnut shaft. The shaft is quite wide at the top and tapers to 1" round at the bottom.

For more of my work please visit: http://www.bigstickcanes.com ; http://www.gallerymh.com.

Comments and inquiries welcomed.

Gallery

Comments

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521 Posts
I really like the look of this one. Very cool.
 

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153 Posts
Yeah, really nice! It looks somewhat serpent like to me and it looks cool where you doweled it through an eye! That's a nice touch and I like the gnarly 'feel' to it. Loads of character!
 

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1,162 Posts
Personal style with class.
You have a gifted eye for beauty.

Lignum ipsa loquitur!
(The wood speaks for itself.)
 

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158 Posts
Very nice!!Love the wood choices and shape of the handle.
 

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I think this is my favorite one. Great shape.

you might try black or brown dyed epoxy to inlay any voids. it gets real hard and finishes well.
 

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9,145 Posts
That is some great looking wood and a fantastic looking cane.
 

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796 Posts
Gorgeous wood! The cane looks as comfortable to use as it is beautiful.
 

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6,953 Posts
This is beautiful!

I notice the handle shape is a departure from your usual style. Is this at the customers request?

Lew
 

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Lew: I didn't have a customer to cater to on this design. I get to "play" and design to my liking in between commissions.

This is a freeform that I was allowing the grain and form of the wood dictate the shape of the handle. Manzanita has such an unusual and unpredictable grain and formation that it's hard to get a solid piece of wood without voids and cracks with the quality of grain I like. I love the spray of colors and try to keep it as the focal point of the handle and work around the shape to get an ergonomic and functional piece. Sometimes it's a real challenge as there may not be enough wood where I need it and I have to alter my design. These pieces usually take a longer time to create, as sometimes they refuse to work and they are put on the shelf while I work on something that cooperates. I guess you could call it obstinate wood.
 

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I love your cane tops, would enjoy seeing the full shafts, especially when it has a different wood on the lower shaft.
 

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19,753 Posts
Your cains are always great designs and true works of art ,great job Meilie
 
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