Hey everybody,

I know this doesn't exactly fall under ul gear, but I was hoping for tips on how to make my own hiking staff. I found a great lightning struck piece of poplar, so all the bark was removed for me. I bought some wood varnish to finish it and want to figure out a way to carve some designs. Does anyone have any tips for what'd be the best tools for the job?

Thanks so much!
JP

I've heard that something like teak oil works better than varnish.

The problem with varnish is that once it cracks it will let water in, and that water will then be trapped inside the staff.

I've never made a hiking staff. I've just done some research on it. Lots of stuff on YouTube.