About 30 years ago I made a cane out of a sassafrass branch I found in the wood behind my parent's home. It was broken off a fork that looked like a horse's head. Dad passed at 99 in 2011, and I'm now using the cane myself at 85.
Great Channel!! I'n 82 and I make Walking Sticks for all my pals, people I just met too---the reaction to my gift is very rewarding :) Bless You and to your subscribers as well :)
Interesting! I was talking with a man about 6 months ago who makes canes that fire a .22 LR. The barrel is inserted into the cane along its entire length. He was walking with one that day and yes, showed me how it worked, upto the point of firing. Keep up the good work!
There used to be a Victorian device, the "Ornathologists Gun" a sort of airgun firing a hefty round shot designed to stun or kill a bird without destroying it's plumage. For collectors. They were often concealed within an outer walking cane or stick.
Hello Mr. Nolan, I made a walking stick based on the 1947 Boy Scout handbook, and it came out great. I will now add the compass as per your directions. Great video, thanks for sharing.
@ a metal end like a cup with a magnet, other covers for various uses would slide over staying in place by the magnet. Rubber tips, ice cleat tip, spike tip etc etc.
I have several reacher grabbers. Some have a light and some have a magnet on each jaw. I’ve never used the lights but the magnets have come in handy occasionally. A well thought out design could include those features. The problem with them is they are not made very well at all. If you made it with quality long life materials and styled it like an attractive cane I’d buy a few. The ones I have are very useful to me.
I like the embedded bark. I prefer to just clean up the loose stuff. Gives it a bit more character, kind of like us old folks picking up a few more wrinkles here in there.
I love that walking stick. I have one with a hand carved handle that was given to me. A dear friends dad carved it we are guessing its around 30 plus yrs old. It is not often i dont have it with me!!
My Dad started making walking sticks 40-50 years ago. I still have one made of Dogwood, and what’s neat is he used the sapling that had vines twisted around it. Peel them, smooth with sandpaper, coat with shellac. Wish I was artistic.
I've been making walking sticks for friends and family for years, but the compass idea never crossed my mind. Most brilliant ideas are the simplest. Thanks from a new subscriber!
@@OzarkArtsandCrafts I was a forward observer with the 101st. I called fire for A10's along with artillery so I can relate to the Nomads. Here's to you brother!
Good looking stick den I have made one or two myself and I did that zigzag pattern on one of mine and a diamonds pattern on a couple and they're really pretty and sold well
I purchased 3 walking sticks from a VA retail store in Houston. 2 went to a male nurse for him and a friend to use when hiking. Mine I use everyday and for protection.
From over here in England I just had to tell you that you had me spell-bound. Watching you build your walking stick while explaining clearly the procedure. Sir, I even understood the way your hands tied the slip knot. I gonna have a go at making one of these for when I venture out in the wood behind our home. I might have to find a smaller compass to set in the top as the sticks behind our house are mostly Hazel, they grow straight but some what skinny around. Thanks again for reminding me why God gave us hands. Keep well "Mountain Man".
Mr. Nolan, Great video, have several sycamor and eucalyptus staffs I've cured for over 30 yrs. Giant bamboo also. With winter upon us, I plan on being in the shop finishing some of them! Thanks for the tutorial and encouragement, Blsgs, gg. 🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙋☝️☝️☝️
🇺🇸🙋♀️ Great lookin walking stick! Your idea of making lightning strikes made me think of a guy on Big Timber on Netflix. He used a couple wires connected to a battery I think, put them on a slab of wood at the mill and the electricity burned in the wood, making a really cool pattern. Just something to think about.
I do Lichtenberg wood burning and have used it on some of my walking sticks. I had some cracks to fill on this one is why I didn't use it. The electric burning does look more like a lightening stick. Thanks for your comment.
@@OzarkArtsandCrafts I never said "don't burn it". I just said "tape it before you cut it". (This keeps the line from ballooning with the little glob of gunk at the end.) Fish it through the hole, tie your knot(s), _then_ melt it to keep it from fraying when you're happy with the knot placement and ends (after removing the painter's tape, ofc). The loose end of the unused spool is now more visible and _temporarily_ capped. A little bit of tinning wouldn't hurt, either. Keep up the good work!
Now, Master Nolan, that's one good solid stick, sir. You also thinkin' of adding some form of brass or copper ring on the bottom end to keep them wood fibres from splayin' out.? Could hold the thing together well. Nice work, sir!
I make all my sticks without an end cap. I leave them long so people can cut the off to suit their height. I used to make them at custom lengths but found most buyers wanted either longer or shorter. So, I now make the all from 56 to 58" long so the customer can cut off as need to size. Also saves them some money by me not putting in Dexter cost for a tip of some kind. Thanks for your comment.
I just saw a RUclips video last night where you take a plastic bottle put on a open can like your stain then shrink the plastic bottle with a heat gun. After that you can shake your stain or paint then unscrew the plastic cap and pour out what you need. Looks like it would eliminate a lot of mess. U wrap about 20ft of Para cord as a grip for the walking stick. A nice piece of string can come in handy in an emergency.
😮i have a crew of beavers that live in a lime stone marsh in the back of my property near Salisbury Connecticut,,,they turn out a hundred or more a year for sale at the winter festival, the spring festival and the huckleberry festival, proceeds go to a local benefit,,,
Very nics. I have thoughttk of drilling, a hole at the top of my walking stick in order to insert a rebar that I could sharpen and then cover with some sort of cap. Nope, I figure that if a dog attacks you or a bear or a 2 legged creature. I would want your property, it might come really useful
Hi .. I make these all the time to .. got oak and maple all about and get some good wood .. but you were done before you began … everybody likes the rough look .. Your Stil in my shop would be rough sand and ting oil wiped .. .❤️❤️❤️
I just saw a RUclips video last night where you take a plastic bottle put on a open can like your stain then shrink the plastic bottle with a heat gun. After that you can shake your stain or paint then unscrew the plastic cap and pour out what you need. Looks like it would eliminate a lot of mess.
Nice stick I'm right at 6 feet and I need a walking stick right at 38 to 40 inches long and I need some weight to it I weigh 365 so I like a nice heavy stick. Thank you.
That's why I leave them a little on the long side so people can cut them to the length they need or want. Most of my sticks will support more than what you need. Thanks for your comment.
The positive pressure face mask that I use is call the "Trend Airshield Pro Full Faceshield" I purchased it from Amazon. Here's a link if you want to check it out. amzn.to/3YXvY5k I may make a small commission if you were to purchase one but it's from Amazon, not you. Thanks for leaving a comment, sir.
I think it's better to use Tung oil after stainning. If you use Pure Tung Oil it is is also Food Safe. Lynnseed Oil is not food safe. Either way, I think Tung Oil is the better choice.
Good video! You work hard at this and I appreciate your dedication. I do not use Instagram. How would one contact you to buy your walking sticks? Thanks very much
Hi Dennis, may I ask what you put on the bottom of the stick that hits the ground? Also where do you get your sticks? Thanks your tutorials are great. 🇨🇦
I don't normally put anything on the tips. I leave them a little long so they can be cut off to preferred lengths. I get most sticks from hikes in my 40 acre woods and also from other private woods that I always ask permissions to gather fallen branches. I hardly every cut anything.
About 30 years ago I made a cane out of a sassafrass branch I found in the wood behind my parent's home. It was broken off a fork that looked like a horse's head. Dad passed at 99 in 2011, and I'm now using the cane myself at 85.
At 81, I make and use them. Thanks for sharing your story!
This was wonderful. Thank You for this gift.
You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I have two sticks in the shop, so one for grandson and one for me. Good project.
Thanks for your comment.
A good man with a walking stick in the hands is worth to bad men in the bush !
You gave me an idea of what to do with my brass compass ! Thanks 👍
You're right about the good man with a walking stick. Glad you liked the idea. Thanks!
Excellent piece of art and craft. Long live our Dennis NOLAN.
Thank you for watching!
Great Channel!! I'n 82 and I make Walking Sticks for all my pals, people I just met too---the reaction to my gift is very rewarding :) Bless You and to your subscribers as well :)
I forgt: If you have icy conditions, install a self tapping screw in bottum of stick. No falls, plz!!
Thank you, you are doing a great service to your friends, and I'm sure they all appreciate your gifts!
That will work. Great tip! Thanks
Interesting! I was talking with a man about 6 months ago who makes canes that fire a .22 LR. The barrel is inserted into the cane along its entire length. He was walking with one that day and yes, showed me how it worked, upto the point of firing. Keep up the good work!
I could do something like that but I would be banned from RUclips. It is something that could come in handy.
There used to be a Victorian device, the "Ornathologists Gun" a sort of airgun firing a hefty round shot designed to stun or kill a bird without destroying it's plumage. For collectors. They were often concealed within an outer walking cane or stick.
Yes, I know what you are talking about. I have made one for myself but RUclips does not allow showing any such thing.
Salamat from another senior man from the Philippines!!!
Back to you my friend!
Another cool walking stick. Great job Dennis. 👍🏻
Thanks, Dave. 👍
Thank you for taking the time to show us!
You are a good teacher.
You are very welcome.
Hello Mr. Nolan, I made a walking stick based on the 1947 Boy Scout handbook, and it came out great. I will now add the compass as per your directions. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a great idea! Thanks for commenting.
The thing we need moast of all is a magnet to pick things up when we get older
Great idea, David I will consider that one!
@ a metal end like a cup with a magnet, other covers for various uses would slide over staying in place by the magnet. Rubber tips, ice cleat tip, spike tip etc etc.
And a grabby fingers
wouldn't a magnet effect the compass?
I have several reacher grabbers. Some have a light and some have a magnet on each jaw. I’ve never used the lights but the magnets have come in handy occasionally. A well thought out design could include those features. The problem with them is they are not made very well at all. If you made it with quality long life materials and styled it like an attractive cane I’d buy a few. The ones I have are very useful to me.
Nice walking stick! Great job, Dennis!
Thanks for commenting. Keep on, keeping on!
You are a true craftsman and make a great video.Thank you so much. I subscribed too !
Thanks so much for subscribing and for the comment!
You always make the coolest sticks👍
thanks, Luie. Keep on, keeping on!
Great job Mr. Dennis! These Folks won't get lost now with that compass!!
Get out there!
Have fun!!
And keep Stickin' To It!!!
You got that right! Thanks. Keep on, keeping on!
Mail order?
Hi Dennis … just love your video…super accent too.. very instructive and inspiring … have a wonderful 2025. Alan .. Ireland
Thanks, and a Happy new year to you my friend!
Beautiful job.. I Applaud your Craftsmanship Skills. First Class my friend. Peace from Big Jim New Hampshire USA aka Boston Strong
Thanks, Big Jim! Hope you subscribed to eb eligible for the big giveaway.
Nice job.....I enjoyed watching every stip !
I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Great stuff. Especially the knots
Thanks!
Love it ! Im finally working on another walking stick.
Great, can't wait to see it! Thanks for your comment. Keep on, keeping on!
I like the embedded bark. I prefer to just clean up the loose stuff. Gives it a bit more character, kind of like us old folks picking up a few more wrinkles here in there.
You got that right! Thanks for the comment
Love your channel! Glad I found you!
I'm glad you found me too. Hope you get your name in my next give-away coming soon!
Excellent tutorial and absolutely love the compass idea.
Glad you liked it!
Looks pretty cool! Well done Dennis 👍
Thank you, JoJo, appreciate your visiting.
Hola! Mr. Dennis great job Sir! Sure could use one of urs! God Bless! Thanks 👍👍
Thanks to you! 👍
Nice, instructive video. Thanks Dennis
Appreciate your comment.
I love that walking stick. I have one with a hand carved handle that was given to me. A dear friends dad carved it we are guessing its around 30 plus yrs old.
It is not often i dont have it with me!!
Thank you for your comment. They do last a long time. Generally they are passed down thru the ages!
Thank You for Sharing Larry !
Larry?
Thanks for your comment!
My Dad started making walking sticks 40-50 years ago. I still have one made of Dogwood, and what’s neat is he used the sapling that had vines twisted around it. Peel them, smooth with sandpaper, coat with shellac. Wish I was artistic.
Vines do make interesting sticks. Thanks for your comment.
Great job. You make it look so easy 😮. 👍👍❤...
Glad you liked it. Thanks for your comment, Larry!
I made one and put an old hurst shift knob on mine . I wouldn’t wanna get hit in the noggin with that 😂
Sounds like a nice one!
wonderful lesson- willmake one for myself.
Glad you enjoyed it, hope you find it helpful!
I've been making walking sticks for friends and family for years, but the compass idea never crossed my mind. Most brilliant ideas are the simplest. Thanks from a new subscriber!
Thanks for leaving a comment. Here's to the screaming eagles! I was a Nomad.
@@OzarkArtsandCrafts I was a forward observer with the 101st. I called fire for A10's along with artillery so I can relate to the Nomads. Here's to you brother!
Real good ideas here. Good job!
Thanks for leaving a comment.
Good looking stick den I have made one or two myself and I did that zigzag pattern on one of mine and a diamonds pattern on a couple and they're really pretty and sold well
Thanks, Keith.
I just had spinal stenosis surgery and i made a walking stick .it helps me walk straight up.
They do help with things like that! Thanks for your comment.
Awesome Workmanship ♥️
Thanks for your comment!
I loved this video. Your walking stick reminded me of the staff Moses had when he brought God's people out of Egypt. Thank you for this video.❤
@@patriciatharp9646 have you seen Moses staff?
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Hey Denny, Great walking stick. Tell Susan hi for me. =Charlie
I'll do that! Thanks, Charlie.
I purchased 3 walking sticks from a VA retail store in Houston. 2 went to a male nurse for him and a friend to use when hiking. Mine I use everyday and for protection.
Awesome! Thanks, Henry. I used to live in Houston.
Thanks for tutorial sir, enjoyed watching. I did subscribe.
Thanks, Terry.
It looks great .
Thanks, Charley!
Absolutely beautiful walking stick ! Love it!
Many thanks!
From over here in England I just had to tell you that you had me spell-bound. Watching you build your walking stick while explaining clearly the procedure. Sir, I even understood the way your hands tied the slip knot. I gonna have a go at making one of these for when I venture out in the wood behind our home. I might have to find a smaller compass to set in the top as the sticks behind our house are mostly Hazel, they grow straight but some what skinny around. Thanks again for reminding me why God gave us hands. Keep well "Mountain Man".
Thank you soo much for such a kind comment. Always happy to share what I do. Keep on, keeping on! Cheers
Beautiful stick im sure it'll last beyond a lot of us watching and commenting
I think so too! Thanks for your comment.
Fine work sir. 😊
Thank you kindly
Nice work, I once made myself a nice walking stick but one day, true to its name, itv walked away on me and I haven't seen it since...
They have a tendency to do that! Lol
Great work mate 😊
Thank you! Cheers!
Great video,thanks.
Thanks for your comment
Simple and Useful. Thank You. ❤️🤍💙
Yes, Thank you!
Mr. Nolan, Great video, have several sycamor and eucalyptus staffs I've cured for over 30 yrs. Giant bamboo also. With winter upon us, I plan on being in the shop finishing some of them! Thanks for the tutorial and encouragement, Blsgs, gg. 🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙋☝️☝️☝️
Sounds great! Good time to get started.
Thanks!
Thanks for the super thanks, and your comment!
🇺🇸🙋♀️ Great lookin walking stick!
Your idea of making lightning strikes made me think of a guy on Big Timber on Netflix. He used a couple wires connected to a battery I think, put them on a slab of wood at the mill and the electricity burned in the wood, making a really cool pattern. Just something to think about.
I do Lichtenberg wood burning and have used it on some of my walking sticks. I had some cracks to fill on this one is why I didn't use it. The electric burning does look more like a lightening stick. Thanks for your comment.
Nice - Thank you
Thank you too!
that was fun. thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
Very nice ❤
Thank you for watching!
Enjoyed your video thanks for posting 👍
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.
Great hiking stick.
Thanks for commenting.
I made one with Osage Orange about 50 years ago and still use it.
Thanks for your comment, Dave! I love the Crab Apple tree.
@@OzarkArtsandCraftscrab Apple and hedge apples are a bit different
I agree. Osage Orange pretty indestructible and rot resistant. One of the most favored woods for bows by Native Americabs.
@@davebenson1294 great wood here in Missouri lol.
Wrap some painters tape tight around your paracord _BEFORE_ you cut it. Keeps everything nice and neat.
Yes, that will work but it's a more temporary fix until the tape comes off. If you burn it it won't fray again. Thanks for tip.
@@OzarkArtsandCrafts I never said "don't burn it". I just said "tape it before you cut it". (This keeps the line from ballooning with the little glob of gunk at the end.) Fish it through the hole, tie your knot(s), _then_ melt it to keep it from fraying when you're happy with the knot placement and ends (after removing the painter's tape, ofc). The loose end of the unused spool is now more visible and _temporarily_ capped. A little bit of tinning wouldn't hurt, either. Keep up the good work!
Q❤q no no@@OzarkArtsandCrafts1
Now, Master Nolan, that's one good solid stick, sir. You also thinkin' of adding some form of brass or copper ring on the bottom end to keep them wood fibres from splayin' out.? Could hold the thing together well. Nice work, sir!
I make all my sticks without an end cap. I leave them long so people can cut the off to suit their height. I used to make them at custom lengths but found most buyers wanted either longer or shorter. So, I now make the all from 56 to 58" long so the customer can cut off as need to size. Also saves them some money by me not putting in Dexter cost for a tip of some kind. Thanks for your comment.
Also make walking sticks mostley with wild bamboo , also work well greetings from South Africa Colesberg. Northern Cape.
I have used bamboo for about everything but a walking stick. I don't have access to any growing bamboo. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Awesome stuff, hi from hull UK
Thanks for your comment, Sam. Cheers
Yes sir good idea !
Thanks!
Great job luv it ...
Thanks for your comment
Nice job. I'd sink the compass in the wood so it's flush.
String could be plaited for thickness so it doesn't cut in.
new subscriber
loved it.i think ill be making one soon.
Thank you, Santa. You can do it!
Subscribed! Great video! Thanks!
Thanks for the comment and sub!
Nice job god bless
Thank you and may God bless!
Awesome!
Thanks!
Looks alot like mine. I get compliments from the carbon fibre pole folks when i’m out walking.
Thanks for your commenting..
I just saw a RUclips video last night where you take a plastic bottle put on a open can like your stain then shrink the plastic bottle with a heat gun. After that you can shake your stain or paint then unscrew the plastic cap and pour out what you need. Looks like it would eliminate a lot of mess.
U wrap about 20ft of Para cord as a grip for the walking stick. A nice piece of string can come in handy in an emergency.
Thanks for sharing the plastic bottle idea. Using it for emergencies is one of the main benefits of using paracord when you can for a grip.
😮i have a crew of beavers that live in a lime stone marsh in the back of my property near Salisbury Connecticut,,,they turn out a hundred or more a year for sale at the winter festival, the spring festival and the huckleberry festival, proceeds go to a local benefit,,,
Thanks, Patrick. I have a few that came from Beaver Dams. Lots of Beaver in Missouri!
A couple wooden beads on the tail ends of the cord would be a nice touch, not functional but nice appearance.
I ad beads to the cord for some of my walking sticks. It does make for a nice touch.
Very nics. I have thoughttk of drilling, a hole at the top of my walking stick in order to insert a rebar that I could sharpen and then cover with some sort of cap. Nope, I figure that if a dog attacks you or a bear or a 2 legged creature.
I would want your property, it might come really useful
That's a good point, no pun intended! Good idea!
Thanks
Your welcome and thanks for commenting.
Hi .. I make these all the time to .. got oak and maple all about and get some good wood .. but you were done before you began … everybody likes the rough look .. Your Stil in my shop would be rough sand and ting oil wiped .. .❤️❤️❤️
Good stuff, Charles! Thanks for your comment.
How long should a walking stick be. I am 6'2" tall. So I am trying to figure this out.Thanks,for any information you all can pass on.
52” to 56”. Some like them shorter than that some like them longer. It’s just a mater of preference.
I am making one now with blue ash so far so good I am using a y branch for the top
Sounds like you have a good one started!
Love walking stick you made. Can you demonstrate using . ?do you put a rubber bottom on stick to protect it? Thanks
Can I demonstrate using what! I leave all my sticks a little long so they can be cut to personal preferences..
I just saw a RUclips video last night where you take a plastic bottle put on a open can like your stain then shrink the plastic bottle with a heat gun. After that you can shake your stain or paint then unscrew the plastic cap and pour out what you need. Looks like it would eliminate a lot of mess.
Thanks for your comment.
How about a link to the video?
@
This wasn’t the one with the paint can but the procedure is the same.
ruclips.net/user/shortsV3sNcDMc94A?si=KvLbJxEafiqPCeNl
Nice stick I'm right at 6 feet and I need a walking stick right at 38 to 40 inches long and I need some weight to it I weigh 365 so I like a nice heavy stick. Thank you.
That's why I leave them a little on the long side so people can cut them to the length they need or want. Most of my sticks will support more than what you need. Thanks for your comment.
My wife does a lot of woodworking what is the positive helmet/mask that you are using?
The positive pressure face mask that I use is call the "Trend Airshield Pro Full Faceshield" I purchased it from Amazon. Here's a link if you want to check it out. amzn.to/3YXvY5k
I may make a small commission if you were to purchase one but it's from Amazon, not you.
Thanks for leaving a comment, sir.
Nice
Thanks
OK thank you.
Thanks for your comment, Robert!
Thank you - what do you think about lynnseed oil after stain?
I think it's better to use Tung oil after stainning. If you use Pure Tung Oil it is is also Food Safe. Lynnseed Oil is not food safe. Either way, I think Tung Oil is the better choice.
Informative and interesting. Where do I find the compass? Thanks.
Got it from Amazon. Here's the link: amzn.to/4duz2tK
What kind of wood do u use ?
A large variety hardwoods. Hickory, Sassafras, Maple, Hornbeam (Ironwood), Elm are some of my favorite. Selecting a hardwood is the key.
How do you finish the ground tip?
Three coats of Poly. Thanks for your comment, John.
Good video! You work hard at this and I appreciate your dedication. I do not use Instagram. How would one contact you to buy your walking sticks? Thanks very much
Thanks for the comment, Floyd. I will have them on Etsy and my website in the near future.
Is "Direct-ometer" the same thing as a compass?
Hi Dennis, may I ask what you put on the bottom of the stick that hits the ground? Also where do you get your sticks? Thanks your tutorials are great. 🇨🇦
I don't normally put anything on the tips. I leave them a little long so they can be cut off to preferred lengths. I get most sticks from hikes in my 40 acre woods and also from other private woods that I always ask permissions to gather fallen branches. I hardly every cut anything.
Thank you Dennis
Dennis where can I find "directometers " (compass) that size , I make walking/hiking sticks and I want to put compass on them .
Here's a link for those that I use. They seem to be fairly accurate for a cheap compass.
amzn.to/4g0BCtn
@@OzarkArtsandCrafts Thank you SIR ,
May you have a splendid rest of the week/ month /year
ON THE END, THAT IS THE SLIPKNOT PART. YOU COULD TIE ONE LITTLE KNOT SO THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THAT AGAIN
Yes, that is a good idea! Thanks,
Where can I buy the compass in bulk ? Thanks-Rich
I get them off Amazon. I have a link in the description for Pocket Size Compasses. Thanks for your comment, Pappa!
What type(s) of wood sticks??
Hickory, Maple, Locust, Hornbeam are my favorites but most hardwoods work out great. thanks for commenting.
What kind of wood is that...
I think I said in the video that it was hickory. Thanks for your comment.
Real nice work. I amy have missed it, but what species of wood do you normally use?
Oak or Maple are my favorites. Thanks for leaving a comment.