Walking sticks come in a variety of styles lengths and colors. Walking sticks are in general made from wood or metal or some other craft able material and can be a natural stick such as a shillelagh are carved from a piece of wood and incorporate other materials such as bone or glass. Canes and walking sticks are often used as a walking aid but can be used for hiking and ascending steep trails or for that descent on uneven terrain and in the event of aggressive animals can be used for self defense.
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 do any amount of hiking or walking you may already have a walking stick, pole, staff or cane. 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.