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Project Information

This is a custom cane made for a client who is 6'1" with a large hand. He likes a large handle and gives me free range as far as design, but I try to make sure that the ergonomics and stability of the cane are primary concerns in design and fabrication. The handle is shaped to allow the thumb and fingers to find numerous comfort areas for a strong, solid grip. The finger catch allows the small finger to catch on to the end of the handle and give the user more balance while in motion and while standing.

This shape of this handle was an attempt to make a sleek, European style, reminisce of mid-century Scandinavian furniture. Made from figured Macawood, the handle will endure a good amount of stress as the wood is quite dense and has a nice solid texture similar to Padauk, but finer in grain. The color of this handle when freshly sanded is a more vivid red/orange and oxidizes to a rich, deep mahogany. The collar is made of Black walnut and the shaft of Figured Cherry. I use solid natural hardwoods and try to show their natural beauty by finishing with oil or high friction wax. These photos were taken before the final stages of a finish were applied.

Comments and inquires welcome.

Please visit Big Stick Canes for more of my work or Canes for Sale

Gallery

Comments

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9,509 Posts
Another wonderful cane. Thanks for sharing.
 

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9,145 Posts
A great looking cane.
 

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264 Posts
Great job, love the design
 

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233 Posts
the handle reminds me of some kind of prehistoric bird head! swan? mixed with blue heron? :)
 

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6,953 Posts
Wonderful looking cane, Meilie!

The collar seems a little "longer" on this one. Is that for extra support for the larger handle?
 

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756 Posts
Howdy,

It's incredible what beauty can be produced from a well thought out ergonomic design. Bravo!
 

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153 Posts
This cane sounds just about right for my size….. along with my big, clumsy hands. Like Michelle, I too can see some sort of bird's head with the handle shape. Another very nice cane!!
 

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1,106 Posts
Thank you for all of the kind comments!

The handle does look like some sort of avian creature, which is fun to see how others view my work, and also how an ergonomic design assimilates nature.

Lew: Yes, the collar is a lot longer than others I have done and the reason is to allow the diameter of the shaft to flow into the diameter of the handle. I have a tendency to create very long handles as I want to provide people who have large hands an option in a comfortable, ergonomic cane. I feel that the commonly available products on the market are inefficient for those who have special needs and I strive to fill some of these unique needs.

I love a challenge and the creation of a commonly used walking aid with unique needs has become a creative and rewarding outlet for my practical interests in making art. I have always loved creating objects and using my hands and challenging my sense of design and now I get to play in the wood pile and make beautiful things that people can actually need and use. I also get to buy lots of fun pieces of wood, although I'm being reprimanded by my husband-factor that I need to stop buying wood until we empty the basement. (Hrummph!) My comeback is that I don't buy shoes or clothes or knick-knacks anymore, as I rather buy a really gnarly piece of wood!
 

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7,502 Posts
Beautiful cane. Beautiful wood combos, and design.
 

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259 Posts
It looks great. Like the well designed handle, looks comfy to hold. They should sell well. Great job!
 
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