What is the best wood for shillelagh?

Typically a thick stick of oak or blackthorn, used as a walking stick or club. Prominent in Ireland and irish folklore.

What wood is used for shillelagh?

A shillelagh is, at its most basic, a walking stick. The name comes from the Irish Gaelic word “sail éille,” which means “thonged willow,” or “thonged cudgel.” Contrary to that name, shillelaghs are usually made from a wood called blackthorn, though they can also be made from oak.

What wood is used for Irish walking sticks?

However, shillelagh became a generic term for any Irish walking stick. Traditionally the canes or walking stick were made out of oak. However, over time, oak had been felled and exported. Blackthorn then became the preferred material.

What can you make a shillelagh out of?

Almost any hardwood can be used. Purists will often say they can only be made of blackthorn. Some purists will allow oak as well. In reality you can use whatever you can get your hands on.

What's the best wood for making walking sticks?

Beech, in our latitudes, is probably the most used wood for walking sticks. Hazel is also a popular choice for walkers who are looking for a strong, lightweight wood with an interesting sheen. Some people prefer oak, which is also used to make tool handles. It has a reputation for strength and durability.

This Walking Cane Is A Stunner! - Night Watchman Shillelagh Walking Stick

What wood are NHS walking sticks made of?

Chestnut (Castanaea dentata) is a fast-growing hardwood. It has a similar strength to oak, while being lightweight, making it the perfect choice for stick craft. These sticks come recommended by the NHS and are sourced from sustainable forests.

Why are blackthorn walking sticks so expensive?

Blackthorn walking sticks are expensive because the perfect, naturally straight-growing thorny branches can only be harvested once a year, but connoisseurs are willing to pay the price because of blackthorn's great strength in comparison to its thickness, rendering a sturdy stick that is easy to carry.

What is the best wood for a shillelagh?

Blackthorn and oak, especially the root, are commonly used to craft shillelaghs.

What is the alternative wood for shillelagh?

With the scarcity of oak in Ireland the term came increasingly to denote a blackthorn stick, and therefore blackthorn stick is sometimes glossed as an equivalent to shillelagh. Wood from the root was prized since this would be used for the knob, and was less prone to crack or break during use.

Is a shillelagh legal?

If you happen to be carrying a traditional Irish walking stick and fight off a mugger with it, and don't keep beating the hooligans after they give up or run away, you should be OK. Legal as a walking stick as long as you keep the rubber ferrule on or it will be classed as an offensive weapon....

What is the shillelagh law?

Shillelaghs are sometimes referred to in a similar context in folk songs. In the ballad “Finnegan's Wake” occurs the phrase “Shillelagh law did all engage,” signifying that a brawl has broken out; “shillelagh law” itself has been explained as meaning the accepted rule governing the usage of the weapon.

Is blackthorn a strong wood?

Irish Blackthorn is a beautiful, unique wood that is perfect for walking sticks due to its durability and hardiness. It is also a heavy wood, making it robust and supportive for most individuals.

What's the difference between a walking stick and a shillelagh?

All Shillelagh could be a walking stick but all walking stick are not Shillelagh... The Shillelagh has a typical shape with his knob at the end (like a wizzard's staff if you ve the ref). Shillelagh are often made of blackthorn, hazel or Oak , sometimes a strap and a ferrule.

Can you bring a shillelagh on a plane?

Despite their colorful history and craftsmanship, it turns out that the Transportation Security Administration frowns upon such objects in carry-ons.

What can you cast shillelagh on?

Shillelagh's wording says it works on a club or quarterstaff.

How to tell if a walking stick is blackthorn?

The cane, if crafted properly, should taper to a fine point, although it is often cut with a flat end to make it usable for a rubber ferrule or cane tip. Blackthorn is naturally dark, and often stained to an even darker hue, but the bark, if you are able to see any, is often a reddish-brown hue.

What is the hardest wood for a walking stick?

Hickory is hard, beautiful, and premium wood, Ash has a bending strength of 15,000 psi, Walnut has a bending strength of 14,600 psi, Oak (Red or White) varies between 14,300 and 15,200 psi.

What are the side effects of blackthorn?

Skin irritation. Sore mouth or throat. Stomach pain. Infections of the kidney, bladder or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).

Are walking sticks good for arthritis?

Benefits of using a walking stick for osteoarthritis

So using a walking cane will reduce the pain, it will improve your ability to do your daily tasks, it will improve the exercise that you can do and be able to do more and most importantly it can actually slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.

Are old walking sticks valuable?

Generally, decorative canes of exceptional beauty or complete system canes bring a higher price than those with damage or those that are incomplete. The exception will lie with canes made of exotic and rare materials or with those that carry with them a special provenance.

Do Timpsons sell walking sticks?

Choose from foldable, height-adjustable, and anatomical walking sticks, including a range of colourful designs that let you step out in style. No matter which stick you choose, our strong and lightweight walking canes will keep you supported and comfortable!

What kind of wood is a shillelagh made of?

The dense, knotty wood of the blackthorn or oak could pack a punch. It became a symbol of resistance, and Irish folks knew how to use them. Those who mastered the shillelagh could give their foes a proper wallop.

Can you use a shillelagh as a cane?

While primarily a walking cane, the shillelagh's sturdy construction and unique knobbed design make it a practical self-defense tool.

What are the disadvantages of using a walking stick?