Zaydok Allen
Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2011
- Messages
- 13,274
After a considerable evolution of thought and some excellent advice in a different thread, I started out with a desire for a concealed knife, but ended up deciding on a a few sticks hidden in plain sight for a few situations where a gun is unacceptable.
The longer staff (46” after I trim the top) has a metal spear point and is very light weight considering it’s an inch and a half in diameter. It is a Jacob staff for those who know what that is. I’m unsure on the wood used but based on weight and the grain I believe it’s oak of some variety. This staff will look perfectly normal in my office given my career. A gun would end my career and get me prosecuted, but this will not bother anyone.
More interesting is the other stick I think.
After doing a lot of research online, reading into the description and history, and looking into the info posted by a particular maker about his material sourcing and gathering, I believe I managed to score myself a genuine blackthorn walking stick from Ireland. He even offered to show me where he gathers if I ever return there, which is an exceptionally nice offer. The maker’s name is Francis McCaffery.
The bark can be seen through the sealant right up to the knob indicating to me the knob is in fact made from the root collar as it should be.
I have never handled a blackthorn before, and was blown away by the weight to strength ratio. I tried bending it against my knee and it only had the slightest give. I’d crack my knee cap before cracking this stick I think. And yet it is only about an inch wide on the shaft and weighs about 1.5 lbs. it measures 37.5 inches in length and is the perfect fit for my height.
You can see where small branches and thorns were removed from the shaft.
While I still need to find a trainer (think I’m on to one now) and ultimately this walking stick (shillelagh) may not fit with that training I realized it was something I wanted on hand. It may not be the last stick or cane I buy, and it may not be a primary source of defense, but it’s a nice item to have for a walk or hike for many reasons.
Thought I’d share.
The longer staff (46” after I trim the top) has a metal spear point and is very light weight considering it’s an inch and a half in diameter. It is a Jacob staff for those who know what that is. I’m unsure on the wood used but based on weight and the grain I believe it’s oak of some variety. This staff will look perfectly normal in my office given my career. A gun would end my career and get me prosecuted, but this will not bother anyone.
More interesting is the other stick I think.
After doing a lot of research online, reading into the description and history, and looking into the info posted by a particular maker about his material sourcing and gathering, I believe I managed to score myself a genuine blackthorn walking stick from Ireland. He even offered to show me where he gathers if I ever return there, which is an exceptionally nice offer. The maker’s name is Francis McCaffery.
The bark can be seen through the sealant right up to the knob indicating to me the knob is in fact made from the root collar as it should be.
I have never handled a blackthorn before, and was blown away by the weight to strength ratio. I tried bending it against my knee and it only had the slightest give. I’d crack my knee cap before cracking this stick I think. And yet it is only about an inch wide on the shaft and weighs about 1.5 lbs. it measures 37.5 inches in length and is the perfect fit for my height.
You can see where small branches and thorns were removed from the shaft.
While I still need to find a trainer (think I’m on to one now) and ultimately this walking stick (shillelagh) may not fit with that training I realized it was something I wanted on hand. It may not be the last stick or cane I buy, and it may not be a primary source of defense, but it’s a nice item to have for a walk or hike for many reasons.
Thought I’d share.
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