I visited with Dick Larson recently. He makes walking sticks, hot dog sticks, and weeders to sell, and he does quite well with them. He gets a branch with either a really straight length or an interesting curve at the top end, depending on the kind of walking stick he is making.
Short lengths make handles for copper-coated hot dog roasting sticks or weeders. The weeders are fascinating. He makes a handle by whittling off first the outer bark, and then some of the inner bark, leaving patches of wood showing in spots. Then he sands it down very smooth and may or may not add a stain. Varnish comes last.
For the blade, he uses a foot of bandsaw blade. He forms it into a loop and screws it down tight. You can get in between onions or perennials without damaging their roots. At his last sale, he sold 23 of these for $5 each.
By Coreen from Rupert, ID
Hi Coreen, This stick is terrific. My husband gets driftwood, bends it and comes up with really nice walking sticks and canes. People are always requesting them. These guys are very creative!
Hi Coreen
Do you have any photos of his weeders?
Re: the walking sticks, I have used walking sticks on & off for many years now, and looking at the photo above, I can't imagine it being very safe, or helpful, if used for anything more than as a decorative item. It's point of balance could be dangerous if used in place as a 'proper' walking stick.
