Cromach

**BoldHighlander** · 1st March 08, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Right then,I have consulted with "The Oracle" and his advice is to "Google", art of stickmaking,and you will see what is needed on the book front.I have just done it and Amazon has a few to buy.The book that is the stickmakers "bible" is called something like:the Craft of Stickmaking by Leo ????.Hope this helps to get you started and let me know if I can help further.

Thanks Jock
...and thank you gentlemen for the links & information, I greatly appreciate it!

**Jack Daw** · 1st March 08, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by highlander_Daz

they also come in very handy on Karaoke night as well!!!

Before the hamish-bow, I hope. LOL!

**Bugbear** · 1st March 08, 06:42 PM

Guess I aught to get one of those... Blind guy here, that is about the length of a cane. And some of the non-folding canes have the crook at the top... Their aluminum, though.

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd March 08, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Right then,I have consulted with "The Oracle" and his advice is to "Google", art of stickmaking,and you will see what is needed on the book front.I have just done it and Amazon has a few to buy.The book that is the stickmakers "bible" is called something like:the Craft of Stickmaking by Leo ????.Hope this helps to get you started and let me know if I can help further.

Jock, I found a few on Amazon.com, including the stickmakers "bible"
Thanks again for your assistance

Here's a few of what I found:

The Craft of Stickmaking (Paperback)
by Leo Gowan
http://www.amazon.com/Craft-Stickmak...4443760&sr=1-4

Stickmaking (Paperback)
by Leo Gowan (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/Stickmaking-Le...4443947&sr=1-3

Stickmaking: A Complete Course (Paperback)
by Andrew Jones (Author), Clive George (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/Stickmaking-Co...4443947&sr=1-1

Stickmaking Handbook (Paperback)
by Andrew Jones (Author), Clive George (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/Stickmaking-Ha...4443947&sr=1-2

**Fox** · 2nd March 08, 01:44 AM

Yeah, was thinking the same thing. Our blind canes are usually measured to our sternums, breastbones. I have been thinking about a stick that would serve as a cane if needed, but that might be more dressy or at least pair up with the kilt. Now I'd like to know the pros and cons of sticks measured to the breastbone, verses walking sticks that are measured to the wrist when arm is hanging at the side.

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

Guess I aught to get one of those... Blind guy here, that is about the length of a cane. And some of the non-folding canes have the crook at the top... Their aluminum, though.

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd March 08, 02:16 AM

Originally Posted by slohairt

They even have shillelaghs! My Dad always referred to them (and still does) as L*m*y-thumpers!

I've also been seeking a blackthorn walking stick with the size & heft of the one carried by Victor McLaglen in "The Quiet Man" (next time you watch the film note his in comparison to the others shown).

I have searched high & low on the internet, and everything I locate is under 36" & usually a bit on the "thin" side.
I've been seeking one around the length of 42" - 43".

Anybody know a source for decent blackthorn walking stick in this range?

**Jock Scot** · 2nd March 08, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by Toddo

Yeah, was thinking the same thing. Our blind canes are usually measured to our sternums, breastbones. I have been thinking about a stick that would serve as a cane if needed, but that might be more dressy or at least pair up with the kilt. Now I'd like to know the pros and cons of sticks measured to the breastbone, verses walking sticks that are measured to the wrist when arm is hanging at the side.

There are a few reasons why the cromach is longer than a normal walking stick.The main one was that a sheepherd needed the reach to catch a sheep.When on the "hill" we use them very much as a third leg to steady us on slippery rocks and grass,particularly on the decent,if your stick is too short you would be forever bending down.They are used as depth guages in rivers and in wet boggy ground and when you are leaning on them,for a rest, the first foot or so has often sunk into the ground.The length is not just a Scots/hill man fashion thing it is cut longer very much for a purpose.I would not dream of going for a walk in the country without one.Oh one more thing!If you are going to get a cromach DON'T get one with a shaft too thick they look awful and will be no fun to lug around, too thin is just as useless.As a rough guide,the bottom of the stick needs to be about the thickness of a thin thumb.

**BoldHighlander** · 2nd March 08, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

As a rough guide,the bottom of the stick needs to be about the thickness of a thin thumb.

Good to know .... thanks!

**Fox** · 2nd March 08, 05:12 PM

All good information. Sounds like the cromach would be ideal for outdoor pursuits, and the short walking cane for around town. Looks like I might have to get at least one of each. ;)

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

There are a few reasons why the cromach is longer than a normal walking stick.The main one was that a sheepherd needed the reach to catch a sheep.When on the "hill" we use them very much as a third leg to steady us on slippery rocks and grass,particularly on the decent,if your stick is too short you would be forever bending down.They are used as depth guages in rivers and in wet boggy ground and when you are leaning on them,for a rest, the first foot or so has often sunk into the ground.The length is not just a Scots/hill man fashion thing it is cut longer very much for a purpose.I would not dream of going for a walk in the country without one.Oh one more thing!If you are going to get a cromach DON'T get one with a shaft too thick they look awful and will be no fun to lug around, too thin is just as useless.As a rough guide,the bottom of the stick needs to be about the thickness of a thin thumb.

**Panache** · 2nd March 08, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

...When on the "hill" we use them very much as a third leg to steady us on slippery rocks and grass,particularly on the decent,if your stick is too short you would be forever bending down.They are used as depth guages in rivers and in wet boggy ground and when you are leaning on them,for a rest, the first foot or so has often sunk into the ground.The length is not just a Scots/hill man fashion thing it is cut longer very much for a purpose.I would not dream of going for a walk in the country without one...

Absolutely agree, though I have yet to wander in the highlands!

I just recently made myself a hiking staff with a thumbstick/anter tip here are a couple of pictures:

Scotus,

I hope we get a picture of your cromach, the website photo looks very nice!

Cheers

Jamie