Friday, January 16, 2009

Walking Sticks and Canes

By Mark Roberts

Walking sticks come in a variety of styles lengths and colors. Walking sticks often being made of wood or metal can be crafted or carved to make custom walking sticks that often include other materials for accents and style such as bone inlay. Often used as a walking aid a walking stick or hiking pole is great on the trail or in the wilderness on uneven terrain while making assents or descents. They can often be used for self defense when needed around aggressive animals.

You may recall one of your grand parents using a cane or walking cane on walks or just getting around. When doing a lot of hiking or walking a walking stick or hiking pole can help relieve the pressure on the knees and ankles. You are less prone to falls because a walking stick or hiking pole can add stability on uneven terrain. If you do a lot of beach exploring on sand and around tide pools a walking stick is a great addition for this uneven terrain and environment and for moving things in a tide pool before handling with the fingers.

Canes and walking sticks can be used for self defense. A special cane called a shillelagh is often made from blackthorn wood and sometimes some other hard wood and has the appearance of a natural cane. The heavy end of the stick being the handle could be filled with lead. This can be used as a weapon when surprised by an attacker or an aggressive stray animal. Even a good walking stick can be used in such a manner while walking or hiking in the wilderness.

If you hike or walk quite a bit chances are you already have a walking stick or pole. It is not that usual for people who do a lot of walking or hiking to have a walking stick handy and may often have several in their possession so they will have one available when needed for those long hikes or walks.

One of the best places to purchase hiking sticks or wooden canes is on the internet. There are many online merchants that sell walking sticks, hiking poles, wooden canes and even custom carved walking sticks. You are more likely to find the styles or type of can or walking stick you are looking for. Walking sticks, staffs or wooden canes are often used for more than a walking aid they are often used for costumes and as part of a character actors wardrobe.

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