Walking sticks and particularly horn handled sticks are varied in shape and size and their uses. This is sticks are often commissioned to your individual requirements.
Shepherd’s neck crooks
A shepherd’s neck crook for catching sheep will be made to a specific size of the sheep intended to be caught. Our native Welsh mountain breeds here in Wales are quite small but the Scottish Blackface sheep are much larger and would need a bigger aperture on the crook.
One size does not fit all
One size does not fit all so I am always happy to individualise a stick for its new owner. This may be a particular shape of handle, breed of sheep (colours of horn vary from breed to breed) or carving onto the handle.
Engraved collars
Most commissions are for collars fitted onto the stick below the handle with an engraving of the owner’s name or initials.
Collars can be brass or nickel alloy and the engraving is done by hand. It isn’t possible to add a collar to a finished stick as the collar has to be fitted prior to assembly.
Length of stick
Sticks are also made to measure in length. A hill shepherd would use a much longer stick than one who is on flat ground. Generally, a longer type of stick such as thumbsticks, market sticks and crooks would be the height of the user’s elbow joint. A walking stick to assist in walking would be hip bone height.
Types of wood
Another variation is the wood used for the shank. Our native Hazel is the most suitable and popular but also available are Holly, Ash, Blackthorn and chestnut.
Whatever your preference, please get in touch to discuss the options available.