Dammit, I guess it's time for me to grow up and face reality. The Monster is out of the closet,

and has pretty much taken the use of my right leg away from me.

So it's time to go cane shopping. I'd appreciate some help from you all; could you go here http://www.fashionablecanes.com/ and, what's the term the kids use these days, pimp my crip?

I kind of like this one: - http://www.fashionablecanes.com/80501.html - it's elegant, yet understated.

And before you suggest it, I know you mean well, but I'm not about to go get a "trekking stick." I'd feel like a complete yuppie a-hole, walking down Main Street using one of those. And nothing Harley, either, if you don't mind.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Redstone

I gotta go find him. He's online somewhere.

Redstone

If you can, go out in the woods looking for a nice, crookedy, interesting, sturdy branch.

If the bark is 'tight', leave it on.
If not, strip it.
Whatever, sand it fairly smooth.
Varnish or shellac it.

Way cool!

growing on it; then you get that nice spiral shape.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Redstone

Have no idea what kind.
About an incha and a half thick.
Light as balsa, but very sturdy.
I made it for an elderly friend.
When he died, his son gave it back to me.
I treasure it.

(It was probably a wild grape vine that you made it from. We have those in the back yard, and I'll go hunt for a suitable one tomorrow.)

Take that walking stick into your hand now, and remember your old friend.

Redstone

A British WW I veteran.
Went to work in British Civil Service following the war and was posted to British East Africa. He was a district commissioner.
He was like talking to a history book.
His son and I are close friends and that's how I came to be friends with him.
He was 99 when he died.

Thinking a cane or staff is in my near future too. Like the natural look, but wonder is some sort of cap is advisable for the end to prevent slipping and/or prevent wear.

Any particular type of wood? We are pretty limited about trees in my 'hood, but I know people in far-flung places where there are better trees.

Redstone

save for my really big dog. He knows when I am in trouble and does what ever it takes to get momma in. Once here, he will be a handi-dog on the days I can't move fer shit. rest of the time, he grabs what he shouldn't and makes me chase him to keep me moving!

It is getting to the point that I am NEVER sure if any of several joints will work right from moment to moment.

Planning for a well stocked hammock to get through the summer ;)

to seeing this year's feet.

Redstone

Dropped an old iron based desk spindle on it last week. Didn't know I had that much cussin in me! Am about to paint my toenails though. Some scarlet to go with the black and blue should be just the thing!

Oh, and this year's phoot photo will show off some new toe rings.

I find them at Lowes in the hardware section.
They call them chair tips.

Come in white or black, various sizes.
Use them for hard surfaces.
For grass or walking in the woods I don't tip them with anything.

Go for it!

Good luck in your choosing, Redstone.

:hi:

Redstone

The best cane in the world isn't worth a damn if you don't use it because it hurts your hand.

works better than other types?

Redstone

But I can just imagine putting a big chunk of my body weight on one hand hurting a lot if the weight isn't distributed well.

And I see what you mean.

Redstone

You won't know until you actually have the cane in your hand whether it fits your hand properly. Mail Order is fine for a second or third cane, once you know what you like, but it's a bit risky for a first purchase.

I ended up with a pistol grip (basically an elliptical ball shaped handle) for my cane, because I use it primarily for balance and don't put a lot of weight on it. If you're going to use the cane primarily for support, however, a full handle that isn't too abrasive is a good choice. While leather or horn may look more comfortable than metal or polished wood, they can be very irritating to the hand if too rough.

je ne sais quoi:



http://www.fashionablecanes.com/80906.html

I'm sorry it's come to this point for you, I hope things get better soon.

It's dignified and masculine indeed. Much better than my original choice.

As of now, it's the front-runner.

Redstone

The one you highlighted is very handsome......

Inlaid woods are so gorgeous!

And consider this......you can always whack some out-of-line creep with it!

I am sorry to hear about your right leg, though....:hug:

Here's to much, much more good walking for you!


:hi:

it was possible that it would come to this one day, but I think that in cases like this it's worse to see it happen than to have it happen to you.

Does that make sense? It does to me. In my case, it's "fuck it, there goes the leg, and it wasn't worth much anyway, so good riddance." But for Mrs R to have to watch me go down that slope? I'd rather she didn't have to.

And yes, you're right about the whacking part; I've actually enjoyed some of the (too many) times I've been on crutches...if the bar is crowded, you can clear a path to order a beer by laying about the ankles in the way, and people don't get mad; they just think you're being clumsy.

Redstone

Because you can't do anything to help! You just stand helplessly by, and watch...

And when you love someone, not being able to help them is the worst...

:hug:

because I'm the meanest son of a bitch in the valley.

I told her that tonight. I hope she believes me, because it's true. Lots of things (and people) have tried to kill me, and guess what: I ain't dead yet.

Redstone

Distinctive, but not flashy, rather like you.

Redstone

http://carvedwalkingsticks.com/index.htm

Here
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/268

Redstone

:toast:

...without a hidden scotch reservoir. ;)

Happy shopping, man. And remember, the best part is shaking it at those damn kids on the lawn. :hi:

at the little bastids; they'll be surprised at how fast I can hobble over there and bruise their ankles with Mr Cane.

I may be limping, but I ain't dead yet.

Hey, would that be a good sig line, or what? I think I'll use it.

Redstone

Use words like "dagnabbit" and remind them you know their parents. That'll learn 'em, the punks. :)

Hang in there.

My Canadian school friends all think it's because I'm from Colorado.

Redstone

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=6286442&mesg_id=6286442

But that's not relevant to your request. May I suggest a shillelagh? Maybe it's just because St. Patrick's Day is approaching, but this seems like a natural.
http://www.walkingequipment.com/shillelagh.htm

And yes, I'm considering a shillelagh. I used to play Irish music, after all, so it would be a good fit.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Redstone

Heaven is boring.

And an eyepatch or monocle.

and end up in line behind a Coupon Clipper.

We don't want that. We really don't.

Redstone

But, if you go that route, I would be happy to whip up a black cape for you.

half of the people in town will be sporting a lurid "Z" upon their breastage.

Redstone

you might consider a shepherd's crook. :rofl:

That could be fun in the grocery store too.

have the guts to make it so. And I think I do.

Now we're getting to the good part.

Redstone

:rofl:

And me, a seamstress who loves the challenge of costumes....

Life can throw us some nasty breaks, but if we are tough, we can, and will, find ways to laugh.

I prefer laughter, as I'm sure you do also.

Redstone

I carried one when I had knee surgery. Quite sweet it was.

y'know... :hug:

Been there and beyond... :hug:

forget that. Not for even one day.

It helps to have good friends like you (and all the other great DUers), though.

Redstone

if you know what I mean. :)

I'm all abot relativity, y'know... :P

:hug:

Come have lunch with me, soon ;)

Friday, depending on how I manage to juggle the three visits I need to make (Arlington and Beverly MA, and Manchester NH) into two days on the road and hoping for only one night in a hotel.

Please PM me your cell phone number again if you would; I managed to lose it.

Redstone

Thursday's do-able only after 3pm.

I'll pm you :)

If not this week, if you're around the week after, I'm on spring break :)

Big ($50K+) project for a new customer who is in Woburn, and the tradeshow booth manufacturer who is in Arlington.

I could meet you at the Harvard Square T station, yes? Or come home via I-93, which goes right near your house, doesn't it?

Redstone

and I'm at school until 12:30 on Friday, 2:30 on Thursday. :)

But on break, I'm here near the I93 :)

But I won't be using any goddamn cane when you see me. I am not above pride.

Redstone

The anatomically correct handles are easier on your hands.

If you're going to be putting a lot of weight on the cane, take a look at the palm-grip ones, too. They distribute weight differently and might be good as a "back-up" if your hand starts to hurt.

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/03062.html


Good luck--hope you find something that works for you.

weight bearing soon enough, and I do appreciate you taking the time to look around and make that suggestion. It's a good one, and I thank you.

Redstone

Those are the coolest.

Sorry to hear about the leg, that sucks man.

My brother-in-law's father had (he passed away a couple year ago, the collection still resides w/ his mom) the most kickass collection of canes I've ever seen. Hundreds of the coolest, rare canes... dozens of them w/ all sorts of nifty secret buttons and blades. I have fun when I'm over his house.

I appreciate the suggestion.

Redstone

tip. Safe caning is very important. Without the rubber, it will slip on all types of floor surfaces and won't do you any good.

Safe caning, sweet friend, practice safe caning! :pals: :hug:

:loveya:

Just joking. Thanks for the advice. (I was just about to make a really lame joke about regarding your phrasing of "without the rubber," but good sense stepped and and stopped me from making a fool of myself.)

I think of you whenever I read the word "Katrina." I do.

Redstone

still young and full of life :silly:

I do so appreciate all the good thoughts and warm wishes you send this way. I believe those are what help me bounce back when I get low. :hug:

And that's something, right there.

By the way, can you BELEIVE the utter gall of bushyboy, to go down your way after all this time, and glad-hand people like nothing ever happened? There's your definition of arrogance and obliviousness, right there.

Redstone

When he comes, his caravan touring the coast causes traffic congestion and shuts down streets and just messes up the day.

He was about 2 blocks away from me at City Hall, I gave him the one finger wave while smoking my cig on the porch at the office, then I went back to work.

He's about as useless as teets on a boarhog. *shaking head* More money wasted on appearances, but as my fundie SIL said about his visit to Enterprise AL, what's the big deal of a visit, they will still be needing in 18 months.

Empty promises even offend his fans.

And furthermore, "tits on a boarhog." You ARE a real Southerner (which I like), aren't you?

Redstone

:smoke:

And yes sir, I am a real Southerner and I am quite fond of you too. :hug:

Dang, look up "Southern Belle" in the dictionary, and I bet there'll be a picture of you.

Which, I might add, I've never seen one of.

Redstone

I lost most of what I had when the wind blew and the poopoo flew and the waters swirled.

I'm just average and I having worn a hoop skirt in years. ;)

"girl next door?"

Besides, m'dear, I have no idea what your physical qualities may or may not be, but I know you for your thoughts, and your feelings, and your courage, and your soul. And each of those is MUCH more than "average," and you can believe me when I tell you that.

Because it's true.

Redstone

and I am grateful that you are. :hug:

thank you for the kind words :blush:

:thumbsup:

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/90728.html although the one you've chosen is very attractive too.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Redstone

so you can duel people in the street

It's black and has a horse's head. I sent my husband out to get me a normal cane (a few years ago) and he came back (with BabyG)...they walked in the door with it, I said,"What the Hel..." and MrG cut me off with,"BabyG picked out for you Mommy, all by himself. I love it, wouldn't trade it in for anything and always get amusing comments.

Redstone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHjNZIghUU8



Great big gentle hugs to you, dear heart.

Redstone

The Derby handle (like the one Bunny choose) says Redstone to me, more than the simple spiral shape, and blackthorn has beautiful natural grain. The photo is on the shillelagh page.

Redstone

A bad cane can make things worse.. I would find a shop that can measure you and help you out. Function over form. I wish you the best of luck.

Redstone

:hug:

I rather like this one though:
http://www.fashionablecanes.com/1057.html


Of course I also REALLY like the idea of creating one yourself. Just my opinion.

merits of different kinds of CANES, and furthermore I ASKED people for their cane opinions.

When I was young, I was the guy who could outwalk anyone by at least two mountains in three days. And smoke cigs and drink beer while I was doing it.

But thank you for your advice. Home-made does seem the be the best option. At least then I'll know that nobody else has the same cane, yes?

Redstone

I need to use a cane often myself and didn't know about this site. Thanks!

;)
Hell, big guy, ya might as well have fun with the new accessory.

(or maybe they could be modified) I have a couple of wonderful old canes from distant ancesters but I am relatively tall. My knee has problems sometimes and I have tried to use them, but they are just a little short. Usually just end up using an old aluminum crutch in the garage for a few weeks till I get sick of doing that.

Personally a "treking" pole would be a better tool, but I would probably use a tree branch or agave stalk and waste a bunch of time decorating it myself.

Yes, your leg feels better, but your pit and your wrist have to pay the price for it.

And yes, I think I'll go for a natural product rather than a "trekking pole." It's not like we have any shortage of trees and large vines behind out back yard.

Redstone

and I agree with you about the "trekking sticks"

regarding the fact that I'd choose a wheelchair over looking like a Yuppie.

Redstone

but then again, I was a huge "Dark Shadows" fan as a kid, and Barnabas Collins had a very similar cane :)

a cane that she always got complemented on
I will have to look for the link, the wood is colorful and the hand grip is awesome

Why do you need a cane??? If you do not mind me asking.......
I don't want my friend to be dependant on a cane, I want him to dance with his wife at his sons wedding....


:pals:

lost

http://www.yeoldecaneshoppe.com/home.aspx?Merchant=yeoldecaneshoppe

A couple from there:

Einstein


Panama

Redstone

But I'm glad the Mrs. is making you take care of yourself. I wish I were a woodworker, but I'm not so I did some looking around and thought this one looked interesting:


https://www.beanstream.com/scripts/cart/view_products.asp?merchant_id=107710000&category_id=38

Looks like the grip would make it easy to shake it at the kids, too.

wouldn't it? Then they'd grab it and taunt me. Maybe I should order the optional wrist strap, too.

Redstone

I like the round handle instead of the swooshie ones (swooshie?). In addition to a walking stick, you could also use it to yank people off of stages.
:hi:

You will want one that has the more ergonomic handle versus the "classic" cane handle, especially if you already have any arthritis in your hands and wrists.

This one is good!

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/50135.html

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/mm5/graphics/Zoom_images/zoomifyURLDrivenWebPage.htm?zoomifyImagePath=http://www.fashionablecanes.com/mm5/graphics/Zoom_images/50135/

My advice to you, Redstone, is this.

Pick a cane that is comfortable over a cane that looks good. Go to the pharmacy (chain pharmacies carry walking sticks) and try out a bunch to see what kind of grip you like, and what length you need. Then you can order off the internet.

I've got a 36" inseam, so I had a hard time finding a cane long enough for me. The one I finally settled on was a plain wooden cane with the hook top. Nothing else was as comfortable, and that cane took a lot of abuse before I was done with it.

Look for a cane that won't snag on clothes or car seats. One that is light enough to accompany you on long walks without making your hand hurt. I found that the basic shape is the best. Remember, the weight of half of your body will be borne on that cane, so be sure to get one that's:

1) the right length.
2) sturdy as all get out.
3) has a very comfortable grip.

I found one that looked a little like a shelali (sp), you know the Irish club, and it serve in two ways...

Walking and, if needed, a very handy weapon...


THANKS, Dude...

When I needed one I went for the question mark shaped aluminum cane from Walgreen's.
Unpretentious, sturdy, and adjustable, I know it was good because my grandfather latched it the day I no longer needed it.
Of course you could go with a black cane topped by some sort of silver casting, but that's a little formal for every day use.

I used a cane for a while after my first bad episode, and I will say it makes all the difference in the world regarding being able to get around instead of being unable to do anything. And knowing you, you'll find a pretty cool cane. :hi:

I rather like this one.

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/70124.html

There's also some heavy-duty fiberglass sticks I can point you at, but the fiberglass might shed and cause irritation over time. I'm not sure how likely that is, though.

I waited far too long, pretending to be "normal" and trying to ignore the muscular dystrophy gradually weakening my muscles, until the only person I was fooling was myself. Three years ago, I gave in and got a lovely antique ebony and silver stick from James Smith & Sons (www.james-smith.co.uk). Its a fantastic shop in London that specializes in all things cane.

As a result, I can walk wherever I want without worrying about falling over and not being able to get back up. My confidence has soared (I was practically housebound with depression over a series of falls) and I don't feel like such a gimp anymore. It's not an overstatement to say that my stick has changed my life.

James Smith & Sons were established in 17-something-or-other and their customer list includes the great and the good from Walpole to Churchill. They'll take orders over the phone and, although pricey, the quality of their canes is unparalleled. If you want to cut a major swath with your new wooden leg, you won't go wrong with them. I've also found that the cane is a great conversation starter and attracts much attention from the young ladies. Being a married man, of course, I have no interest in such things, of course. Ahem.

Whoever you buy from, one thing I strongly recommend is to go for hardwood, particularly if you're going to be putting some weight on the cane. Soft woods will ultimately let you down, and a cane snapping at the wrong moment is nobody's idea of fun. I know it's unPC to be recommending hardwood, but I figure Mother Nature made such a lousy job of creating me that she can damn well pay the price.

Also, make sure the length is exactly right for you. Using a cane that's too long or short can cause more back and leg problems than it helps. You should be able to use it without having to bend over or stand unnaturally. You can seriously bugger yourself up by using the wrong cane.

Finally, make sure you use a rubber tip. Metal tipped canes are purely decorative and can't be used for support during walking. The metal will slip and you'll be munching concrete in no time.

Good luck and welcome to the Fraternity of the Tripod!

made hickory walking sticks.

I cannot thank you enough for your thoughtful and informative post.

Redstone

this will get you some fancy & sturdy help. dang, the link was wonky. Try www.designtoscano.com and search walking sticks. There are some beautiful ones for your collection. :hi:

Makes me feel more like part of a community, kind of.

Redstone

That is NOT a sturdy & strong handle design, no matter
what they say about "epoxy and machinery". The design
is exactly OPPOSITE of "strong and durable".

That looks like a cane designed for "looking pretty", not for actual use.
ANY of the canes at the other link would be far superior.

If you have any DIY interest, I can recommend this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Stick-Making-Complete-Andrew-Jones/dp/1861080832

Redstone