Walking sticks come in a variety of styles lengths and colors. Walking sticks often being made of wood or metal can be crafted or carved to make custom walking sticks that often include other materials for accents and style such as bone inlay. Often used as a walking aid a walking stick or hiking pole is great on the trail or in the wilderness on uneven terrain while making assents or descents. They can often be used for self defense when needed around aggressive animals.

You may recall one of your grand parents using a cane or walking cane on walks or just getting around. When doing a lot of hiking or walking a walking stick or hiking pole can help relieve the pressure on the knees and ankles. You are less prone to falls because a walking stick or hiking pole can add stability on uneven terrain. If you do a lot of beach exploring on sand and around tide pools a walking stick is a great addition for this uneven terrain and environment and for moving things in a tide pool before handling with the fingers.

A walking stick or cane can be also used for self defense. A special cane called a shellelagh is often made from blackthorn wood and sometimes some other hard wood and has the appearance of a natural cane. The handle usually the heavy end of the stick may be filled with lead. If surprised by an aggressive person or animal this can also be used for self defense. Regardless a good walking stick or pole can have the same results if needed while hiking or walking.

If you hike or walk quite a bit chances are you already have a walking stick or pole. It is not that usual for people who do a lot of walking or hiking to have a walking stick handy and may often have several in their possession so they will have one available when needed for those long hikes or walks.

If you need to buy a walking stick, shillelagh, wooden cane or walking staff consider the internet. The internet will allow you to access a much larger selection than what you can find around town. There are many online sellers that sell used new and a few used hiking sticks, walking sticks, canes and even custom carved walking sticks or canes. You will be amazed at the selection and styles available. Walking sticks, canes and hiking poles are used for more than just a walking aid but can be used for self defense and also used for creating a character for an actors role or as part of a Halloween costume.