What is the difference between a walking cane, stick, and staff?

The basic difference between these "sticks" is height.

• Canes - Cane height is determined by the overall height of the user. 

Ideally, it is based on the size of an existing cane that has been deemed comfortable to the user. 

Alternatively, you can measure the cane user by having them put on a shoe height they would normally use when walking with a cane.  Then, have them stand upright, let their arms fall to the sides naturally, and bend slightly at the elbow.  Using a tape measure or yardstick, measure the distance from their wrist joint down to the floor (round up to the nearest half inch).

If these options are not available, determine the overall height of the user and divide by 1/2 (rounding up to the nearest half-inch).  Then add an inch to this height. For example, if the user is 5 ft. tall, that would be 60 inches divided by 2 = 30 inches + 1 inch, or 31 inches total height for the cane.

• Walking Sticks - Sticks are generally used for hiking and are about shoulder height. They might be as little as 42 inches or up to 54 inches.  To size a walking stick, hold out your hand at a comfortable angle and imagine you have a stick in your hand and are walking on rough ground.  Measure from that hand to the ground and you have a good fit.  The stick can stop at this hand-hold point or extend 6 inches or so above your hand-hold.

• Walking Staffs - Staffs can be used for hiking or just to show off!  They generally extend above the head and are definitely show-stoppers!  Because it can be difficult to find a nice, straight piece of wood for a staff, Aspen is generally used, although (2) pieces of other species can be joined to achieve most desired lengths.

• Of course, all of these stick choices lend themselves to the avid collector, regardless of height and sizing. Additionally, some of the more delicate carvings, such as deep-relief flower petals and leaves are a better choice for a collector, since a cane used for everyday walking will be dropped many times in its lifetime. 

 

 

My Preferred WOOD SPECIES for these projects are:

Canes 

Chinese Tallow

Hackberry

Mesquite

Basswood

Cedar

Sticks & Staffs

Aspen

Diamond Willow

Mesquite

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In addition, Maple and Cherry make beautiful pieces and they can be bought as Baseball Bat Blanks (3"X3"x37"), turned on a lathe, joined, and then carved.

 

When choosing your preferred size, shape, and species for any of these choices, please keep in mind that because the products are made from natural materials, there will be variations in wood grain, color, and appearance.  All of my canes, sticks, and staffs are unique and environmentally friendly!

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• With an interview about the specific needs of each user, we can determine the need for any modifications or additions to accommodate physical or medical limitations.  These might include an ergonomic handle, a stabilizing foot, and reinforcing steel threaded rods to ensure all joints are strong and safe. 

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• ITEMS FOR SALE: Many of the pieces shown on this website are for sale and some are not. However, anything can be reproduced or used as a model for your project. Please contact me if you see something you would like to purchase or model after.