Blackthorn Crosshead Walking Stick

A very traditional and interesting walking stick that is also a great talking point.  The method of growing them is unusual: the tiny blackthorn sucker is uprooted when only a few inches high and replanted on its side, with soil ridged over it.  To survive, the sapling sends up a shoot, which gradually grows in diameter until it is big enough to form the shaft of the walking stick.  The plant is then uprooted again, and the root system is fashioned into the handle.  The right angle that has been produced makes a very strong stick, because it has grown in that shape rather than being steamed and bent into position.  As each root system is different, each of these sticks is unique.  Sometimes the root system produces lots of 'toes' in the handle, sometimes a smoother handle results.  Blackthorn wood is highly prized for the rich reddish-black colour of its bark.  The shaft is fitted with a metal ferrule and has an approximate overall height of 36".

These sticks are in limited supply. They are imported directly from England.