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Walking Sticks: what your stick consists of



As UK specialists in walking sticks, walking canes and other walking aids, Somerwood offer a comprehensive and inexpensive range of walking canes and sticks, suitable for
  • those who need help with walking,
  • ramblers, and
  • collectors.

    • What your Walking Stick consists of

    Components of a walking stick


    A walking stick consists of three main elements: a handle, a shaft and a ferrule. Some designs of walking stick also have a collar and/or a strap.


    The Handle

    Hook or Tourist handles
    have a simple, rounded shape. This is the most traditional type of handle although today the Derby handle is more popular. Walking sticks with hook handles are called crooks.

    Derby handles
    are by far the most popular type of handle. There are two good reasons for this:
  • they are shaped to give maximum comfort to the hand;
  • they efficiently direct your weight down the shaft.


    • Special need handles
  • Ergonomic handles are specially crafted for maximum comfort and stability. They are often separately shaped for left and right hand use.
  • Foam grip handles are designed for arthritis sufferers.


    • Special design handles
    come in various shapes and sizes, usually in hand-crafted and other decorative sticks. A common example is the ball handle.
    Walking Sticks: what your stick consists of

    The Strap

    is an elegant addition to some designs of walking stick. Straps can also be fitted to sticks that do not include them as standard. When it’s not in use, you can carry your walking stick by slipping the strap over your wrist – which is usually safer than putting it down somewhere where you may forget it.

    The Collar

    The walking stick collar is a metallic band or disc. It is used in some walking stick designs to attach the shaft to the handle.

    The Shaft

    Wooden shafts
    are the most traditional. When hand carved, they can be decorative and extremely stylish. In most cases they can be reduced in height to suit a particular user by sawing off a section at the base. Light woods such as bamboo (and also certain types of reed) are sometimes used and these account for the alternative term for walking sticks: walking canes.

    Aluminium shafts
    are extremely popular for two good reasons:
  • they have various settings so the person using the stick can adjust it to suit his or her height;
  • some designs can be folded up for easy storage or transport.


    • The Ferrule

    fits on the base of the walking stick. Its purpose is to protect the stick from wear and tear, including the effects of the damp and dirt that are picked up when using the stick outside. Ferrules are made of rubber so they will not skid and, when they are worn down, they can easily be replaced.

    To find out more about walking canes, please click below to find a relevant book that will help you. In Association with Amazon.co.uk



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