Walking Canes & Walking Sticks Blog

Ash Wood Walking Canes

kelly — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:13:57 +0000

One of the more common woods used in crafting walking canes is ash, well known for being easy to sand and work, as well as being heat-resistant. Woods that are cured for months before being crafted into a final product (as it happens when the lumber is shipped and stored before being purchased and crafted into a piece of furniture or a walking cane) often warp or bend, making the piece weaker and full of more impurities and imperfections. Ash wood is one of the woods that is least likely to warp under these conditions and thus it makes a wonderful wood to make a strong, sturdy walking stick. The genus Fraxinus, relative to the olive and fig trees, grows in fairly moist climates, and is a more pliable wood than, say, oak or other hardwoods. When used to create an ash walking cane, this creates a piece that offers a firm, somewhat heavy weight, yet is shock resistant for years of long-lasting use. Perfect for use as a heavy-duty

This ash wood walking cane displays a lovely espresso stain.

cane, we’re also blessed that this optimal walking stick material also lends itself to crafting over a lathe or through a band saw, so that it is easy to craft and then polish into a wonderful looking, stunning piece. Naturally light in color, ash wood is often recognizable as the color of a wooden baseball bat. This light tone with coarse, wide grains makes it a lovely starting point for a stain or lacquer, so any ash walking cane can become much like a work of art.

Often paired with a complimentary handle, ash walking stick shafts are among the favorites of walking cane users, since it outlasts many of the other, less sturdy walking canes. If you are looking for a wooden walking cane that will last for years, ash just might be the right choice for you!

Ebony Wood Walking Canes

kelly — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 01:48:19 +0000

This beautiful piece features a lightly stained ebony handle with deep, dark grains.

No matter how abundantly this black wood is used, there is not actually a single source of ebony wood, no tree easily identifiable as the “ebony” species. Instead, this lovely, luxurious wood is found in a wide variety of lumber sources, mainly from the genus Diospyros which includes the species we know as the persimmon tree, often found in the southern Americas, as well as the more rare ceylon ebony tree from south-eastern Asia.

Well known for its deep, black color and dark, mysterious sheen when polished correctly, ebony has been in use for thousands of years. We use it in the construction of walking

This piece has a black ebony shaft with an intricate silver handle.

canes because so many of our users and collectors have selected this as the look they usually prefer. Deep, black and beautiful, ebony canes offer a unique look that cannot be attained by staining another wood to match.

Strong, and with preservative qualities that help it maintain its shape under severe amounts of stress, ebony is a wonderful wood for use in a walking cane. Combine it with a wide assortment of handle styles to create an ebony walking cane that you are sure to love. Whether you choose a silver handled ebony cane or a plain and simple wooden handle, you will love having a walking cane that allows you to prepare for both formal and casual affairs. Don’t let your collection go without this popular addition; order one for yourself today!

Oak Wood Walking Canes

kelly — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:57:31 +0000

In the world of walking cane construction, a few things are revered: strength, resilience, weight, ability to turn on a lathe or other woodworker’s machine, color, grain patterns and what we call “sandability,” or how smooth of a surface that can be created when a walking cane is sanded; the finer, smoother the surface, the more able it is to accept a stain, clear-coat or paint. Considering all of these elements, there are few woods that can be compared to the qualities of oak.

Oak walking canes are a favorite of collectors mainly for the natural, beautiful look of the light, amber-brown color it naturally exudes. With dark grains that remain in a relatively straight pattern throughout any sample of the wood, oak is a lovely piece to work with, and is always loved by the user.

The natural color and grain pattern are not the only ways to finish an oak cane, however. Oak is often chosen for its ability to accept a beautiful luster and sheen based on its sandability, and with a dark color it can look stunning.

Foremost, aside from the beautiful look, oak walking canes are revered for their strength. Carpenters often mar a piece of oak because it is such a tough, dense wood, and oftentimes a nail won’t want to penetrate as cleanly as we would like, which has been the downfall of many oak kitchen cabinets! as a material for a walking cane, this strength is an obvious asset. Able to resist bending, cracking and breaking even when under extreme amounts of strain, oak is ultimately a wonderful material for making a walking cane.

For more options, be sure to look into our entire selection of wood walking canes.

Take a Seat

kelly — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:17:21 +0000

Seat canes are such a great option for cane users and non cane users alike. Available in many different styles to fit each users needs a seat cane provides stability while walking and a place to rest at the same time.

The most common use of seat canes we hear from our customers are:

- Theme park or museum visits.

- Cruises for those long buffet lines and outdoor excursions.

- Traveling by air with layovers and long security lines(don’t forget you’ll need to check the spike base with your luggage!)

- Sightseeing. You’ll never know when you’ll need a rest.

- Golf tournaments and other sporting events.

- Hunting trips, bird watching and camping. Great for almost all outdoor activities!

- So much more!

Our contour seat canes offer the added stability of three legs and your choice of black or 3 designer patterns including this American Songbird pattern.

If you are looking for a more streamline, one shaft model you might look at our hammock style seat canes. Available in adjustable and non-adjustable versions they seat canes offer a slimmer silhouette perfect for travel.

If you are on the go and don’t need the stability of a cane all the time you might be better suited for a fold-away seat cane. These cane fold down into a small pack which can easily be stowed away.

Be sure to look at our full selection of seat canes for even more options.

The Many Canes of Dr. House

kelly — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:01:46 +0000

The season premiere of Fox’s House, M.D. is this coming Monday, January 23, 2012. We can’t wait to see which cane Dr. House will be sporting. Through the years his selection of canes have been as varied and quirky as his bedside demeanor.

Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable.

Flame Tourist Walking Cane

Likely one of House’s most well recognized canes, the flame cane was first introduced in season 3 and quickly became a big hit with fans.

Tourist Bull Penis Walking Cane

Featured in season 3, this cane is made of the actual reproductive organ from a bull.

Rosewood Stained Tourist Walking Cane

First featured in season 7, this cane has been House’s go to cane for several seasons. The traditional Tourist style handle and classic Rosewood stain is versatile for everyday use.

Skull Handle Walking Stick with Black Beechwood Shaft

This silver-plated Skull handle walking stick was a conversation piece at one of patient brainstorming sessions in season 3.

Walnut Stained Beechwood Derby with Silver Collar

This season 1 cane is another popular item thanks to it’s clean lines and classic walnut stain. This cane is actually an upgraded version of the one used on the show and features a nicer collar.

Visit our full line of Dr. House Walking Canes to see all of the replicas we have to offer!

Golden Globes Fashion

kelly — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:02:01 +0000

The 68th annual Golden Globes Award Ceremony was held last night, January 15th, 2012. The association honors outstanding performances in both television and movies, and always bring out the best of Hollywood. Last night was no different with a red carpet studded with everyone from Kate Winslet to Steven Spielburg all dressed to impressed for the formal affair. One star in particular caught our eye with his simple yet distinguished cane choice.

Image Credit: Omg! From Yahoo

Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt completed his designer ensemble with this sleek black cane. At one point in the show even actor George Clooney borrowed Pitt’s cane while presenting an award. Pitt, who is recovering from an ACL injury has been seen sporting the classic style cane with everything from jeans to suits and is proof positive just how versatile a black cane is.

Image Credit: NYDailyNews.com

Be sure to check our of selection of black canes!

Ice Safety

kelly — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:13:51 +0000

Don’t let the weather outside keep you prisoner in your home. FashsionableCanes.com now offers a large array of accessories and canes to keep you active in the winter months. As you might have noticed last winter, a rubber tip offers little-to-no assistance in snow, and even less on ice. Avoiding slips and falls is vital in ensuring your health in the new year; and with so many options there is no excuse to take your safety for granted.

Ice Safety Canes

These high-definition, sturdy, lightweight aluminum canes are the newest additions to our ice safety lines. Fitted with a built in retractable ice tip these canes come ready to use and transition easily from winter to summer months with no need to switch out tips. The ice tip fully retracts up into the shaft of the cane for indoor and out of season use. An easy-to-use lever, located near the bottom of the shaft, allows you to move the ice tip in and out without having to touch the tip itself. Currently, there are 8 styles to choose from, ranging from patterned folding canes to solid colors like the classic look of black.

Removable Ice Tips

Since these tips are easily removed after winter months, this is a great option for anyone who wants something to apply to a cane they already own. Here are two great options that both allow for a simple transition from outdoor to indoor use. The Ingrid Ice Gripper Tip is perfect for a folding cane since it features a compact design that won’t add bulk to the bottom of your cane. The Ice Grip Tip offers the stability of 5 ice picks and flips up to the side of the shaft when not in use.

Spikeless Sole Covers

Spike-less Sole Covers allow for even more traction in the snow and ice. Similar to putting chains on your car’s tires these shoe covers provide traction without interference. Made of injection-molded elastomer with abrasion-resistant, rust-protected steel coils, these versatile covers work great for non cane users also and are ideal of outdoor activities like hiking, camping and even ice fishing. The covers also feature a tab on the back which makes removal quick for when it’s time to go indoors.

Aluminum Walking Canes

kelly — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 19:56:44 +0000

Aluminum walking canes have been a favorite for years. Lightweight, durable and inexpensive, aluminum is one of the most prolifically used materials in walking cane construction. At FashionableCanes.com, we have a wide selection of aluminum walking canes, and we’ve been working on categorizing them in an easy-to-navigate format that allows our customers to find the model that is right for them with ease.

Folding Aluminum Canes

Of all of the metal walking canes, aluminum is perhaps the most abundant because it is easy to manipulate into a variety of designs. The most popular of these is the aluminum folding cane. Compact and lightweight, these designs allow the user to keep a walking cane handy whenever it is needed. Many of our customers report keeping them under a car seat, or even in a briefcase in case one is needed at the office. Whether as a primary piece or a backup cane, these models are a great choice.

Designer Aluminum Canes

With a comfortable derby handle matched to a beautiful, designer aluminum shaft, these designer aluminum walking canes offer style in combination with all of the features that our customers enjoy. Whether you need a professional-looking model or you would like to spice up your outfit with a lovely floral design, our designer aluminum canes are for you.

Ergonomic Aluminum Canes

When the ergonomic-grip handles common to some of our wooden canes became so popular, we designed special molds for forming acrylic and special polymer blends into these comfortable handle designs. Once this technology was widely available, we knew our customers would love being able to attach the easy-grip handle to a designer shaft, so we created our palm-grip handle aluminum canes. Specially designed for either the right or left hand, the palm grip handle is a favorite of arthritis sufferers, and of collectors who simply enjoy the unique and scientific, state-of-the-art design.

Aluminum Offset-Handle Canes

A staple of drugstores and mega-marts for years, the offset handle is actually a very convenient model. With the shaft bent in a way that distributes the weight of the user from the handle all the way down to the tip, and with the comfortable foam-grip handle, there’s no wonder these canes have been so popular for so long. Now, we’ve released a new line of offset aluminum canes that offer the same convenience, but feature the signature style and beautiful look of a truly fashionable cane.

The Ultimate Quest Cane

This futuristic design is also a wonderful piece, which combines the characteristics of many other designs. Lightweight and practical, this piece also offers an offset handle, although it has some features of an ergonomic design. Some of the Quest Canes are adjustable, but for a full range of expandable models, you might also want to look into our adjustable walking canes.

No matter what style of aluminum cane you are looking for, you are sure to find it in our selection. Thanks for stopping by today, and please, let us know how else we can help you find what you need in a walking cane!

Which is your favorite aluminum cane? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page!
Fashionable Walking Canes | Promote Your Page Too

Celebrate This Season with Baseball Canes

kelly — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 03:02:00 +0000

Every year about this time, when the pride in the bleachers as pungent as the hot dogs, peanuts and cold beer, we always have a large number of orders for our baseball walking canes. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia, or maybe the baseball season simply reminds people that such a walking aid exists, whatever the case may be, we always sell out of these products, especially the iconic Louisville Slugger Cane, before the World Series of Baseball completes.

One of our merchandisers saw a replica of one of our pieces in a specialty shop in South Florida this past weekend, and it is amazing what someone will charge for such a lower-quality product. Our Louisville Slugger Cane features a sturdy, ash wood construction as well as a stitched leather handle that is perfect for a hot summer day at the ball park. We even offer different sizes of this cane, and even a classic “smuggler” version, for if you want to sneak a stiff sip of your favorite vintage into the stands.

In any case, no matter if you are a Milwaukee fan, St Louis, Boston or anywhere that hosts one of our great baseball teams, everyone loves to celebrate our national pastime. We like to celebrate it with our selection of baseball walking canes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis & Walking Canes

kelly — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:32:48 +0000

Rheumatoid arthritis, along with other ailments like multiple sclerosis, often leaves the sufferer in need of a walking cane. In this short piece, we’ll cover some of the elements an RA patient should consider when choosing a walking cane.

No matter what you read online, though, it is absolutely imperative that you speak with your doctor before making your final decision. No information you find online, not here or anywhere else, can replace or override the advice of a trained medical professional who is familiar with your needs and condition.

First, when looking at a walking cane for rheumatoid arthritis, you should consider how much weight you need to support. Some

sources claim that a simple, straight-shafted walking cane should only be used to support one quarter (25%) of your body weight or less. We tend to agree, and you should never take chances when using a mobility aid. If you need more support than that, consider

using a quad cane, or even look into a walker or forearm crutches if they are more comfortable options for you.

Palm-grip handles are specially made to match the contours of your palm

Second, the grip of your walking cane is imperative to your condition. As your ailment continues to change, whether it progresses or regresses, the needs of your handle and grip might change. Dont be afraid to question whether your current cane handle is the right one for

you, and always be prepared to try something new. We have a short guide to cane handles in a previous blog post, you may want to start there to see some examples and again, ask your doctor what he/she thinks about the different styles.

The tip, or ferrule of a walking cane is an extremely important part of your decision. We prefer rubber cane tips because of their ability to grip pavement and stay stable on turf, but you may want to look for what is best for your situation. Perhaps you would like the added stability of a extra large cane tip, and we’ve even seen those who prefer a specialized one made with a felt tip. Felt provides less traction, so is less stable, but it is an option. Again, ask your doctor. You should also be prepared for inclimate weather. Perhaps specialized snow gear is something you should have if you live where snow and ice are an issue in the winters.

Finally, be aware of the height of your cane. Although it may seem tempting to stop at a thrift store and pick up an old, weathered one sitting in an umbrella stand near the door, you would be best off with a new piece that is cut to fit your height. Our site has a guide on sizing your walking cane, but as a general rule, the top of your cane should come up to the bend in your wrist when you are standing as straight as possible and your arms are resting comfortably at your side. An improperly sized walking cane can cause you to slouch (if it is too short) or lean to one side (if your cane is too tall) and distribute your weight in an odd pattern across your knees, waist, back and shoulders. All patients of rheumatoid arthritis should understand the terrible consequences that could have on your condition.

Above all else, as we have reiterated again and again, you should never do anything that is contrary to the advice of your doctor, physical therapist or other medical professional. It could have severe consequences on your health, and potentially ruin any progress you and your doctors have made. In the end, the choice is up to you and your doctors.

Walk on!

Is there something else that should be added to this list? Are you, or do you know an RA patient who walks with a cane? Share it with us on our Facebook page!
Fashionable Walking Canes | Promote Your Page Too