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