My First Cane

[death2Uall]

I am currently deep in the construction of my first cane.

I took a 30-inch length of bamboo, half an inch in diameter at the wide end and narrowing to 3/8", that had been growing in the yard I let it season for about three months and used a file to grind down the knots (despite being a grass, the variety I'm using . . . hell for all I know all varieties . . . grows "branches" from some of the joints in the stalk), then spent about three hours sanding and smoothing what was left of those knots, removing the outer layer of "skin", which turns gray and ugly as the stalk ages, and bringing out the highlights in the grain.  I think, as bamboo is a lovely material in and of itself, that all I'm going to do now is put some coats of polyurethane over it to protect it.

For a handle, I'm considering wrapping the base of the shaft with wire (to add some width) and rubberizing it.  I think this will provide a nice, firm grip and a handle that is extremely tough and  low-maintenance.  Does anybody have any other suggestions?

Thanks.

[Quixote]

Does "Post a picture or two of the damage it inflicts" count as a suggestion?  :-)

[Sprayman]

Yes - a couple. What you plan for the bamboo sounds good, including the polyurethane finish.
For the handle though, I don't recommend wire. Alternatives would be wrapping the handle area with a strip of leather held in place with contact cement or shoemakers glue. If one layer still doesn't provide the feel you want, just wrap a second layer over the first. Another way would be to use tennis racket tape which stays put nicely. It's available in sporting goods stores. A third way would be to use 'Plasti Dip' a liquid plastic or rubber compound available in many hardware stores - It comes in several colors and you can dip several times to get the desired thickness.

I make canes ( and other toys) and have posted pictures here at the forum

[death2Uall]

Quixote - I would LOVE to, but unfortunately the one and only person I'd like to use my cane upon is currently living some 1200+ miles away from me.  If I can ever move her (or move me) anywhere nearby, I will gladly provide pictures.  :D

Sprayman - 'Plasti-Dip' or something similar was actually what I was talking about when I discussed "rubberizing" a wire grip.  What I thought was that wire would provide something to hold onto, while the rubber would hold the grip to the shaft.  Frankly I had ZERO desire to create a grip that was strictly wire . . . or to create something that was so heavily wired that the plasti-grip would fail.

[Quixote]

Wandering off topic, I feel your pain.  The girl I hurt lives a long way away.  Annoying.

[Dr_BuzzCzar]

I've been a bamboo fan for some time myself. I have used cotton cord wrapped (2-3 times) tightly as a handle as well as leather used the same way. Ditto on the polyurethane. For no good reason I've not used the plasti-grip, although most of my friends swear by it.

[Dr Verloc]

Good luck with your came project, death.  And you have a marvelous avatar.

[death2Uall]

Well thank you, herr Doktor.  Using Kristen as an avatar simply reminds me of all the many, many beautiful young women out there . . . to whom I'd like to do terrible, terrible things.  Your own avatar is also quite lovely, though obviously for different reasons.

;)

I picked up a can of black Plasti-Dip today.  I think it's going to make an awesome handle.  Now all I have to do is decide whether I want to create some texture by putting wire under it, or silica grit in it.  In any case I'll post photos when the project is ready for presentation. 

[Sprayman]

Sorry - have been away for a few days. The 'Plasti Dip' makes a great handle and stays put pretty well. For texture and/or larger handle diameter, I usually wrap cord around the handle area first and then put 2 or 3 layers of the Plasti Dip over it. Cotton cord makes a fairly smooth handle. Hemp twine makes for more texture. Just pick the type and size cord to give the effect you want.

Good luck on your project. Can't wait to see the result.

[death2Uall]

Rest assured, I shall post at least one photo.  I've been working hard on a new story recently, so have not had time for other . . . leisure activities . . . but I'll get back to it soon.

Does anybody think there would be any market for this kind of thing commercially?  Something that is not only handmade but home grown?

[Sprayman]

Don't know what area you live in but I am close to Orlando, FL and have found a good market for the toys I make. I usually sell to friends but have also sold to strangers at several of the local dungeons. There is also Fetlife with it's 'Home made Toy' section.