Where to buy cromach in USA

[ctbuchanan]

I am looking to purchase a custom made cromach as a gift for a friend. Does anyone know of someone who makes them? Google search isn't coming up with much here in the USA and I'm just afraid that the postage and duty from the UK would be pretty high. I'm not looking for inexpensive but prefer quality workmanship.

Any suggestions appreciated.

CTB

[Father Bill]

Our member Thomas Holcombe was making some real beauties. You might want to PM him if he doesn't spot this. He's U.S. based.

[Richrail]

I've have not purchased from here yet, but I've been looking. http://www.wolston.com/crooks/crooks.html

[Steve Ashton]

A sheep herding supply store.

Kind of like this one. - https://www.sheepman.com/product-cat...herding-tools/

A cromach is a tool used in the herding of sheep. Yes, you see some photos of guys in kilts with a cromach but that has nothing to do with the kilt. It is to show that they are also sheep herders.

Or thinking that it makes them look more like landed Gentry. (Landed Gentry - A British social class below nobility or peerage that own land and usually an estate or country house. The Landed Gentry were not in business, "The taint of trade" and instead of making or producing something, instead of having a job, lived off the income derived from rents.)

[Steve Ashton]

If you have mobility issues then get a proper mobility aid. If you need a staff to help you on hilly terrain use a proper walking staff.

A Cromach is also called a shepherd crook. But what is so often seen is a guy in a kilt, in his estate tweeds, leaning on it, just for the visual appeal.

[Jock Scot]

Yes the cromach can look pretentious of that there is little doubt and particularly so, to those outwith Scotland and those from outwith the rural loop. However we need not be too dismissive of its use. As an aid to help one across rough ground it is very useful. I will also add from long personal experience of assorted joint and back pains, the cromach is extremely helpful to lean on to take some of the strain when standing around for much of the day where seating may be at a premium such as, out shooting, following hounds on foot, at market and yes, at a Highland Games or some such function.

So yes there are lots of sticks, poles, aids to do the job, some no doubt made of some super strong, light weight, space age, techno material, but many choose a stick made from wood and horn, that is pleasing to the eye and comfortable to the hand. I know which I would choose.