i've made many walking sticks and canes, only recently did i start making Shillelaghs out of oak, hickory, and Osage Orange.

Great to see that even as a business man you still have your ethics and want to help others get into the business, extremely rare these days! Good to see there are still good, selfless people out there 🙂 i will be visiting your (online) shop once this all blows over and I'm back in a position i can afford it

I enjoy waking up to the next video you share. Honestly and integrity are the two traits I look for when I invest time in something. Been watching for several months and I must say, you’re extremely genuine and I can’t wait until I can make my way back to Ireland to visit your shop. I’ll place my order soon🙏

I just found you now man , (Nov,23 )and im blown out and delighted to see that you are there and bringing out such great content. Im a hopefull stick maker and I do know well what you mean when you go looking for good sticks through the hazzards and hardships and mishaps that are all necessarily part of the product . Im so glad to be learning too the process and techniques etc. Best o luck .Taa

I had to prove it to myself and yes what Francis is saying it’s the absolute truth , it’s hard work patience and can be very dangerous. His sticks are unique and a lot of work and time goes into making one. I will stick to hazel a lot easier and less dangerous. Great channel and a honest man he is we have never met but one day I will surprise him and buy a stick . Take care Francis keep making those sticks.

This is a fantastic! I'm an artist myself (also requires a lot of patience) ,and also an amateur stick maker ( as a hobby). When I started the hobby I made ALL the mistakes you mentioned. Remember Blackthorn has some SERIOUS thorns attached. It's like a game of twister trying to access a decent stick from the middle of the bush. I love your Shillelaghs I have my eye on one on your website 😊🌻

Thank you Francis for the information u share God bless you and your family

Another excellent video! Thanks!

I don't work with blackthorn, but even with the wood I do work with I get a heck of a physical workout in the process! And yeah, the rarity of a really good stick suitable for walking hit me early on. I would see tree and bush branches, and say "Oh! That will make a great stick!" And then I cut it, and realize that it's not useful enough for a walking stick.

I thank you for you've taught me Francis thank you. Hopefully I'll do well.

stick making is generally hard. even if you don't have blackthorn yet, finding suitable oak trees that is suitable an stable to craft a shillelagh. Even oak trees take a couple years to season. I heard 1 inch of wood is 1 year to season even oak. I was able to find 2 pieces want to get more, but getting grief from family in doing so. I told them I do research ask lots of questions an read. Oh where you going to store it how you going to do this that an all that. I'm not listening because we all know everything in life has obstacles to obtain what you desire to do you must be patient if you make mistakes its ok, its called growth an learning. You get frustrated take a break an keep going. If someone tries to discourage you don't listen. If you give up because of obstacles regardless if its a person or other means dont quit. If you quit you accomplish nothing

Everything that’s precious or desirable is hard to get!

Could you farm blackthorn and then manipulate the saplings to grow into good knob sticks?

Thanks for sharing Francis very informative video. Not easy I can imagine. You have really nice sticks one day I will buy one from you.

So youre saying good sticks DONT grow on trees?

Great video! Love your sticks (especially mine!), and this is a great back story on how you do your craft, and make a business of it. Any chance you could show your favorite stick some day??

Seasoning a stick? Would salt and black pepper do the trick?