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Walking Stick
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 The
term “walking stick” is a general term which is now
used interchangeably between any type of hiking stick or walking
cane. It can be made of one, two, or three pieces.
The handle on a walking stick may be a good support handle or not,
depending on what it has been marketed for. Because the term is
broad, it covers any form of pole with support handles as well as
uncomfortable handles, no handle, or a knob handle. It may have
a rubber tip or flat metal tip, or even a hiking spike.
Typically, the difference between a walking stick and a hiking
staff is size and balance. While they are both designed for active
use (unlike canes, which are specifically for weak or injured legs),
a walking stick is about 40 to 48 inches, depending on the user’s
size. The hiking staff on the other hand, are five to seven feet
tall.
A walking stick was originally a necessity used by people who traveled
or herded animals. It was a source of protection on the road against
thieves as well as a firm way to keep animals in line. Eventually
the walking stick became a symbol of power and strength, then over
time social prestige as well. For example, rulers of the Egyptian
culture carried staffs almost as large as six feet. Scepters were
carried by royalty who had power in the Middle ages. And ancient
Greek gods were depicted with staff in hand. These examples are
of the perceived authority that the stick symbolized, rather than
the actual use of a walking aid.
Only in the 17th century did the word cane begin to be used for
“walking stick.” That is because, previously a walking
stick was made of either ivory, whalebone, ebony and valuable woods.
But at this time, materials such as Malacca or rattan, bamboo and
other hardy reeds were used to make walking aids. Thus, the distinction
between a walking stick and walking cane is primarily the materials
which it is made from.
Related Topics:
How To Shorten
A Walking Cane
If you buy a cane that is too tall for you it can easily be shortened,
keeping in mind that canes cannot be lengthened to be sure to measure
and cut carefully.
Walking
Cane Weight Restrictions
You will be leaning on your cane with nearly your full weight, so
finding the right cane to support your weight is imperative.
Walking
With A Cane
Knowing how to properly use a walking cane will better aid in these
functions.
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