Hiking Stick

Was lucky enough this Columbus day weekend to go hiking in the woods with my beautiful girlfiend Jenn. Being that she loves the woods and loves to hike, I wanted to make this hiking stick for her from some Maple that I have been fortunate to get from a good neighbor.

I turned the top spindle piece on my foot powered Springpole Lathe, than dilled a hole in the top of the actual stick and slowly worked it in for a hold. I realize that for now it’s a nice and snug fit…but later when nature does it’s thing I will have to most likely wedge my cut tenon when this is fully seasoned and reassemble.

I am hoping for as little spiltting as possible….just have to see what the wood wants to do. I couldn’t curb my creative enthusiasum to be on schedule with fresh green wood….lol

For the bark cutting and trimming I used this great Buck Knife I bought last chistmas, if your looking for a good intermediate woods knife ….this is the one! Great blade and a nice fitting handle. If you are interested….I purchased at Amazon.com…...Love this Buck.

I used my rasp to groove in the finger curves to make more of a handle like fit when using.

For an added touch I carved in her first name initial.

Something new I tried and enjoyed the process and she loves the natural look of it, so I know it will get some great mileage in the pines.

I hope this may have been a interesting and enjoyable country woodworking project to inspire the continued use of handtools and the wonderful trade we need to keep alive and growing.

Thanks for taking a look.

Best wishes!

-- "Make something you love tomorrow...and do it slowly" JLB