![carving walking canes carving walking canes](https://www.carvedwalkingsticks.co.uk/assets/images/carved1.jpg)
(Note: Children or those unfamiliar with using saws should seek assistance. Mark the stick about two inches above the top of your hand (or more if you intend to add a decorative top carving, for instance), and cut it to length with your saw of choice.
![carving walking canes carving walking canes](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71FGlmbqsCL._SL1500_.jpg)
If you are making the walking stick for your own use, stand the stick on the ground and hold it in front of you as you would when walking, with your arm bent comfortably at the elbow (roughly at a right angle). The stick may be weakened by insect boring, or you may unwittingly transport bugs into your home. Avoid sticks with holes or other evidence of insect activity.If you look around a bit, you will find a suitable stick that is still fresh but no longer living.
![carving walking canes carving walking canes](https://d2wbzw6bnum9uw.cloudfront.net/media/96d770e2fb804a4c9c74ae241e71e931_1638123307273.jpeg)
Look for fresh hardwood, but never cut from a live tree to make a walking stick.Good options include maple, alder, cherry, aspen, and sassafras, among others. Hardwoods tend to make the most manageable and sturdiest walking sticks.Look for a piece of wood that is as tall as your armpit (usually in the 55-65 inch range) you can trim it to length later. A good walking stick usually starts as a fairly straight piece of wood that is approximately one to two inches in diameter.The size, shape, sturdiness, and age of the wood all contribute to the quality of a potential walking stick. A good walking stick starts with a good piece of wood, of course.