101recon
New Member
I cut this piece of hickory today from the smaller side of a tree fork, but can't determine what kind. I'm pretty sure it's either mockernut or shagbark, but not sure which. Both sides of the fork are fairly young (around 20 - 30 years). At the largest point it is about 2 inches in diameter. I plan to make a hiking staff from it. I would be very thankful for an ID. I've made a few walking sticks and canes out of cedar and oak before, but nothing as large as a staff, and I've never worked with hickory. I've sealed the ends with wax and hung up for drying for at least a year. I am looking to make a staff able to help me get across creeks and ditches and other obstacles because I'm not as young as I used to be. Any advice as to drying with bark on or off, fire hardening, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
