Walking stick?

beyond the blue

beyond the blue

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I need a walking stick (never thought I would ever say that!) I am just getting over a knee replacement and it's time to ditch the crutches and move on. I know nothing about these things and though it's important for it to be practicable (sturdy, non-slip etc.) I don't fancy an old man's cane. I know their are plenty of "old gits" on here so wondered if any of you would care to recommend any that works for you?
 
I use a carbon fibre walking pole, but with a screw on/off ball on the top to take whichever camera I have with me.
Very light and sturdy and gives me enough support with a dodgy knee and back. I still walk the hills and use it there too.
I also have several (many) 'proper' walking sticks I have made over the years, most made from Hazel, which is light and strong.
The handle/grip can be shaped like almost anything within reason so you can have one that is unique if you wish.
There are lots on the 'bay' and quite reasonably priced.

My pole is same as THIS
 
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Only just started looking 1 hour ago and I'm drawn to carbon fibre folding ones. I can only find them that fold into 4 pieces up to now, and fancy just a 2 piece one (remembering all the failures with folding tent poles). I have been practicing with my elbow crutches by removing the elbow extension but it is then just a bent handle with my weight being around 3 inches out of line with the centre of the pole and it doesn't feel right. Would a Derby handle put my weight over the centre line of the pole better?
 
beyond the blue said:
Only just started looking 1 hour ago and I'm drawn to carbon fibre folding ones. I can only find them that fold into 4 pieces up to now, and fancy just a 2 piece one (remembering all the failures with folding tent poles). I have been practicing with my elbow crutches by removing the elbow extension but it is then just a bent handle with my weight being around 3 inches out of line with the centre of the pole and it doesn't feel right. Would a Derby handle put my weight over the centre line of the pole better?
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Well, if you are going for a 2 fold stick you may as well get a telescopic 2 piece, it will be the same length but less bother.
I find personally the the folding ones are not as strong.
The derby handle would put your hand over the central line yes, but no more than any other, and you are getting into the realm of 'Old men's canes' that you said you didn't want.
 
I've had a folding carbon fibre one that I've given a hammering too as I used it all the time before I started using the wheelchair. I still use it occasionally when using my prosthetic leg. I've not noticed difference in strength between it and my one piece one. As most of my use for it was on hard surfaces and places like stations and the tube I got a Flexyfoot ferrule as that made it a lot more non-slip on those kind of surfaces. I've got a more durable ferrule on the one piece one that I use for 'off-roading' as it's easier to clean
 
I have these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Carbon-Nordic-Walking-Walker-Premium/dp/B00JUIYWL6

Single piece (no joints to go wrong/add weight). 100% carbon fibre and therefore very rigid. I use 130cm. version (weight is only 140 gm) which is great as a camera steady and the long length is always useful on awkward ground. Supplied as a pair with spare footpads (I normaly only take one pole on a walk and don't use the pads - tungsten tip suits me).

Walker poles are realistically priced. Many well known makes are very much over priced.
 
I like sticks. I’ve always used a stick when out walking (dogs, country pursuits) though I’ve never needed one until recently when I’ve had balance problems. My opinion is that people would be well advised to use sticks/canes when younger and fitter as it’s too late for them to learn their use when they are older and need them. Personally I like and find most useful the traditional wooden (hazel etc) with a curve handle. The folding ones are for old gits who don’t want to seem like they are. The trick is to see yourself more as Beau Brummell* than Vieux Git :)
* see https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beau_Brummell_Statue_Jermyn_Street.JPG

Full disclosure, I’ll be 82 this year :(
 
Geez they should have a new section on the forum for the silver surfers camera club ( I’m 72 ) where we can all air our aches and pains ,anyway back to sticks I don’t use one YET but have recently changed all my heavy gear to micro four thirds ,but if I did need one I would go for a straight 6ft one (ash) that would have a nicely carved top ,in this day and age it would also double up as a shelagh
 
Oh and by the way, I always use them with the handle pointing forwards and thumb along the forward part. This arguably puts your weight more above the shaft but with your thumb there gives you more control. I don’t know why old gits use them the wrong way round (to me) but suspect they’ve been taught by people who don’t use sticks themselves ;) and of course those NHS sticks are useless.

And don’t forget the noble art of Baritsu: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartitsu ;)

I’ll shut up now :)
 
sphexx said:
I like sticks. I’ve always used a stick when out walking (dogs, country pursuits) though I’ve never needed one until recently when I’ve had balance problems. My opinion is that people would be well advised to use sticks/canes when younger and fitter as it’s too late for them to learn their use when they are older and need them. Personally I like and find most useful the traditional wooden (hazel etc) with a curve handle. The folding ones are for old gits who don’t want to seem like they are. The trick is to see yourself more as Beau Brummell* than Vieux Git :)
* see https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beau_Brummell_Statue_Jermyn_Street.JPG

Full disclosure, I’ll be 82 this year :(
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Sticks, or poles in my case, ( I used to like sticks) are an essential walking companion. Apart from being a support they are great for testing ground to see if it is boggy or checking the depth of water. Good too for holding nettles aside so as to pass unhurt and knocking water off foliage to avoid getting soaked. Very handy if you you meet an unfriendly thug. Bloody good poke in the eye soon sorts out bad attitudes.
 
arclight said:
Sticks, or poles in my case, ( I used to like sticks) are an essential walking companion. Apart from being a support they are great for testing ground to see if it is boggy or checking the depth of water. Good too for holding nettles aside so as to pass unhurt and knocking water off foliage to avoid getting soaked. Very handy if you you meet an unfriendly thug. Bloody good poke in the eye soon sorts out bad attitudes.
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All of that and more :)
 
sphexx said:
Very smart and probably just what you need. I note that type of stick has a soft handle and that’s a good point. For everyday use I wear a fingerless cycling glove with wooden sticks which gives cushioning at more or less the right place.
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A few turns of self amalgamating tape provides a secure and soft grip without any stickiness.
 
beyond the blue said:
Yup! It needs some of this tape, any make in particular? Don't want to b****r it up using the wrong stuff.
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As I understand it, the selfie tape only sticks to itself so there shouldn’t be any problem removing it etc but since it just relies on being stretched over the handle (in this case) you could use a bit of finger bandage or somesuch thing first. No doubt an expert will be along to correct me :(
 
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