.

Then, what is the best wood to use for a walking stick?

If you can find them, cherrybark oak and pignut hickory are among the strongest North American hardwoods. However, most common types of oak and hickory will also make strong walking sticks. Birch, ironwood, black cherry, ash and maple are also very stiff, strong woods.

how do you harden a walking stick? Be prepared for the drying process to take a year or longer.

1. Shave off any bark you plan to remove with a whittling knife.
2. Pour about an inch of water into a pot, and put the pot on the stove.
3. Dip each end of the wood into the melted wax to coat the cuts.
4. Lay the wood on a 2-by-6 board.

what size should a walking stick be?

Here's a good rule on sizing: Standing with your arms at your side, the stick should be about 6 or 8 inches taller than your elbow. Pick a longer stick if you'll be tackling steep terrain. If you're really just planning on walking with your stick, a shorter one will do.

Is a walking stick better than a cane?

For several reasons, I wholeheartedly agree that a walking stick is better than a cane. A walking stick does not put pressure on the shoulder, but rather enables the biceps muscle to hold the body up. In addition, many people using a cane bend forward and take very short steps.