| No longer is the simple walking stick the | | | | concrete and stone but will, from time to |
| preserve of the elderly and infirm. A | | | | time, need replacing as they do wear down. |
| renaissance is taking place and once more the | | | | |
| humble walking stick takes on the mantle of | | | | A metal ferrule (be that brass or even |
| fashion accessory and must have item. So | | | | silver) provides the best degree of |
| maybe now the time is right to reiterate the | | | | protection for the stick itself but obviously |
| basics of taking care of your walking stick | | | | when pressure is applied on a wet surface has |
| so it lasts a lifetime. | | | | a greater tendency to slip. In my humble |
| | | | opinion the metal ferrule is the hardest |
| Getting the sizing right | | | | wearing and most attractive finish to a |
| | | | stick, but isn't always the most practical. |
| Good stick care begins the day you purchase | | | | |
| your stick. Wander in to any store selling | | | | For the rugged outdoors person, why not |
| walking sticks and you'll find a range mostly | | | | finish your walking stick with an alpine |
| the same sort of size (generally around 35 - | | | | spike, perfect for garnering greater purchase |
| 36 inches). Now step back and look at the | | | | on soft ground while rambling out in the |
| people in the store, not an average size | | | | countryside, but practically useless in the |
| amongst them I'll bet. So the first thing to | | | | city. |
| do is get a stick that suits your size, this | | | | |
| reduces the risk of doing yourself some | | | | Caring for your walking stick |
| damage by using a stick that is too long or | | | | |
| short and uncomfortable to carry, and you | | | | A well made stick should require only the |
| also run the risk of reducing the life of the | | | | minimum of effort to remain at its best. |
| stick. | | | | Simple soap and water will refresh the look |
| | | | of your cane after a hard days work, while an |
| A suitable ferrule | | | | occasional coat of linseed oil will not only |
| | | | restore the gleam of your stick, but will |
| For those with a quizzical expression, a | | | | provide a little extra coat of protection for |
| ferrule is the generic name for the 'thing' | | | | a stick that has been long in service. |
| you use to cover and protect the end of your | | | | |
| walking stick. The best, and most suitable | | | | Repairing your stick |
| ferrule, for you will be determined by the | | | | |
| intended use of your stick. A rubber ferrule | | | | If your stick should become damaged it isn't |
| is by far the most common seen out and about | | | | always necessary to replace the whole stick. |
| and provides the best safety for those | | | | A skilled stickmaker can often rescue the |
| relying on their sticks to offer a high | | | | handle of a favoured stick and attach a new |
| degree of support and stability. These will | | | | shaft, giving a new lease of life to a long |
| provide the best (and safest) grip on | | | | treasured stick that is well past its best. |