Opinions on a walking stick...?

[unixken]

Looking for a walking stick to accessorize a formal Prince Charlie, I came across this piece that intrigues me to no end.

http://www.thewalkingcanestore.com/i...il/17587/18523

It is decidedly non-Scottish, though the head does remind me, in ways, of a tartan, given the "squares" of different woods. The model name is uncannily appropriate, I think, and I love the metal band between the head and the shaft.

I'm wondering what others think of this great looking stick, and whether you think it'd be a nice add to a Prince Charlie?

[piperdbh]

I think it's a pretty stick, and I would be proud to have turned it. If you normally walk with a stick, I'd say get it. If you don't usually use a walking stick, it might be more trouble than it's worth to keep up with at a formal event.

[unixken]

I've reached the age where the body starts to revolt every now and then, and I never know when my Gout may flare. So though I don't often "need" a walking stick or cane, once or twice a year, for a week or two at a time, yeah, it comes in real handy. :/

[chrisupyonder]

I use one of these... a walking length umbrella. Very usefull for Scottish weather.



I am not keen on the Top Hat style knob.

Chris.

[unixken]

That's a very nice looking umbrella, Chris. I especially like that it looks so slim (perhaps because it's fairly long?)

I would wonder, however, how strong something like that would be, if I had to put a significant part of my 220 pounds of weight on a design that is either a walking stick compromised by it's accommodations as an umbrella... or an umbrella compromised by it's accommodations as a walking stick.

Does it have as much flex in the shaft as one might presume? How strong is the metal point?

Myself, I rather fancy the symmetrical shape of the Top Hat. Though I like the classic esthetics of the umbrella, it just seems a bit too much "John Steed / The Avengers"... like it would be better suited to a bowler hat, than a kilt.

[Panache]

Unixken,

I am a great fan of walking sticks and staffs and have a number of them that I use often. I have to say that I don't bother with a stick when I am going to a black or white tie event. They are always indoors and such an accessory (if not needed) is superfluous. If you really need a walking stick all the time then that one looks grand (though maybe not the best for true support with its small head). But a stick carried for appearance at a formal event seems unneccessary. Personally I save it for when I am out walking.

Just my opinion

Cheers

Jamie

[Woodsman]

Very nice looking stick. Looks appropriate for a kilt.

[chrisupyonder]

That's a very nice looking umbrella, Chris. I especially like that it looks so slim (perhaps because it's fairly long?)

I would wonder, however, how strong something like that would be, if I had to put a significant part of my 220 pounds of weight on a design that is either a walking stick compromised by it's accommodations as an umbrella... or an umbrella compromised by it's accommodations as a walking stick.

Does it have as much flex in the shaft as one might presume? How strong is the metal point?

Myself, I rather fancy the symmetrical shape of the Top Hat. Though I like the classic esthetics of the umbrella, it just seems a bit too much "John Steed / The Avengers"... like it would be better suited to a bowler hat, than a kilt.

I don't think they are designed as a full weight walking stick. It is more an umbrella but can steady you on slippy ground and is more convenient to carry.

Maybe bowler hat and kilt? Naaaa!

Chris.

[Calico]

There is, however, a specially designed umbrella walking stick: http://www.real-self-defense.com/unb...-umbrella.html

Good for martial arts AND for walking. Heck, might even keep the rain off!

[thescot]

I've reached the age where the body starts to revolt every now and then, and I never know when my Gout may flare. So though I don't often "need" a walking stick or cane, once or twice a year, for a week or two at a time, yeah, it comes in real handy. :/

Lord, me, too. About 3-4 times a year I have to resort to my sticks.

The one you show has a ball type knob that would not be nearly as comfortable as one with a horizontal. I use one like this as my go to stick:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/24K-Gold-Lux...item2a12cbdde2

I also have long sticks for hiking, a proper cromach for highland evens, a few wooden sticks, and a folding cane for travel. All but one have the derby like handles on top. (I even have one of those Bridges with a round, Marine Corps knob, but I don't think you'd like it judging by your hat! )

I would consider a black wooden stick with a metal handle that would perhaps be usable for day and evening wear. If it's strictly for even, though, you'll definitely want a balck cane with silver appointments, I think.