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