Shepherd's Crooks and Walking Sticks
More
than just an essential shepherds tool crooks have been used as an expression of
individuality and an art form for almost as long as there have been shepherds. A
time consuming but highly rewarding process stick making is an activity perfect
for whiling away the winter hours. I make shepherds crooks and walking sticks with wood, horn and antler
handles. I make crooks on spec and also on commission. How long it takes to make
a commissioned stick depends on what I have on order and how busy I am with
other things. While it often takes less time, if you want a commissioned stick
for a specific date, please give at least six months notice. For more
information or to order a stick email me at
imc@wolston.com
Crook description information.
 | Type - Shepherd's crook, thumb stick, walking stick, etc. |
 | Head material - the material used in the handle.
|
 | Shaft Material - the type of wood used to make the stick portion.
|
 | Collar Material - the material used between the head and the shaft.
|
 | Foot Material - the material used to finish the end of the shaft. |
 | Total Length - from ground to the highest part of the head. For thumb
sticks the length is to the V of the stick |
 | Total Weight - weight of the completed stick |
 | Interior Head diameter - the widest interior dimension of the handle. |
 | Balance point - Distance from the handle end to the point where the sick
will balance on a finger. For thumb stick the distance is to the V |
Comments about choosing a crook
The first thing to consider is how and when you plan on using the crook or
stick. For a crook that you are planning on having with you while you are active
I prefer a stick that i can hang on my arm by the elbow and not quite hit the
ground. For a stick to use competing at trials i prefer one with a bit more
length for working at the pen. For a stick I'm going to use for some support
while walking, I prefer one about elbow height or a bit taller. For thumb
sticks, how one plans on leaning on them is the determining factor with the
stick being anything from a bit below the elbow to shoulder height. Weight and
balance point are also a factor for a stick that is going to be used in trials
or around sheep, the heavier the stick the closer you would want the balance
point to the handle, generally resulting in a shorter stick.
Below are my currently available sticks, some of my previous
sticks can be seen here.
Type: Shepherds Crook
Head Material: Spalted Maple
Shaft Material: Hawthorn
Collar Material: none
Foot Material: none
Total Length: 49.5 inches
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: 2.75 inches
Balance Point: 20 inches
Additional comments: This is a tall stick with a small interior
diameter head. The spalting on this piece is particularly colorful It can be shortened if desired.
Price: $75 |
 |
 |
Type: Shepherds Crook
Head Material: Birdseye Maple
Shaft Material: Hazel
Collar Material: none
Foot Material: none
Total Length: 51 inches
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: 3.5 inches
Balance Point: 20 inches
Additional comments: The head to collar join is at a 30 degree angle.
he shank has a lot of pattern and color to it. It can be shortened if desired.
Price: $85 |
 |
 |
Type: Walking Stick
Head Material: Deer Antler
Shaft Material: Hawthorn
Collar Material: Black horn
Foot Material: Antler
Total Length: 44 inches
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: NA
Balance Point: 16 inches
Additional comments: This stick was made as a valentines present for
my wife Raven. it has a wolf head in wood and a raven head in pewter
in the head and imprinted pennies from the Oregon Coast Aquarium on the
Shank.
Price: NA |
 |
 |
Type: Combination Stick
Head Material: ElkAntler
Shaft Material: Hawthorn
Collar Material: none
Foot Material: Antler
Total Length: 44 inches
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: NA
Balance Point: 19 inches
Additional comments: A variation on a thumb stick the curve of the
antler piece allows this stick to also be held like a crook.
Price: $60 |
 |
 |
Type: Shepherds Crook
Head Material: Birdseye Maple
Shaft Material: Hazel
Collar Material: black horn
Foot Material: elk antler
Total Length:
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter:
Balance Point:
Additional comments: A really nice dog head carved into the shoulder
of this stick and a nice nose as well.
Price: $200
SOLD |
 |

 |
Type: Shepherds Crook
Head Material: Birdseye Maple
Shaft Material: Hazel
Collar Material: none
Foot Material: none
Total Length: 48.5 inches
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: 3.25 inches
Balance Point: 16 inches
Additional comments: The head to collar join is at a 30 degree angle.
The nose is more intricately carved. It can be shortened if desired.
Price: $95 |
 |
 |
Type: Shepherds Crook
Head Material: Birdseye Maple
Shaft Material: Hawthorn
Collar Material: none
Foot Material: none
Total Length: 50.5 inches
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: 3 inches
Balance Point: 19 inches
Additional comments: a really nice nose and a pretty piece of
birdseye this handle is narrower and has a sligtly tighter curve than most. It can be shortened if desired.
Price: $75 |
 |
 |
Type: Shepherds Crook
Head Material: Birdseye Maple
Shaft Material: Hawthorn
Collar Material: black horn
Foot Material: black horn and antler
Total Length: 48 inches
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: 3.25 inches
Balance Point: 18 inches
Additional comments: A squarish head on this one with a nice collar
and a very nice 2 part foot antler then black horn
Price: $100 |
 |
 |
Type: Combination Stick
Head Material: ElkAntler
Shaft Material: Hawthorn
Collar Material: none
Foot Material: Antler
Total Length: 39.5 inches to upper V
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: NA
Balance Point: 18 inches
Additional comments: Another variation on a thumb stick the curve of the
antler piece allows this stick to also be held like a crook or as a thumb
stick in 2 different way.
Price: $60 |
 |
 |
Type: Combination Stick
Head Material: ElkAntler
Shaft Material: Hazel
Collar Material: none
Foot Material: Antler
Total Length: 49.5 inches
Total Weight:
Interior Head Diameter: NA
Balance Point: 19.5 inches
Additional comments: A different version of an antler thumb stick
using the natural tips of the antler for the thumb V and the natural curve
of the antler to give it a crook like hold as well. Its a relatively long
stick for this type but very light
Price: $60 |
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