Q&A for How to Collect Wood to Make a Walking Stick

Rosewood would result in a beautiful walking stick. However, rosewood is VERY expensive and difficult to find.

Yes. Let it dry a couple weeks, then leave the bark or shave it off. It's easy to sand the bark, and a clear sealer makes it really pretty. You can use nylon twine and whip a handle on the end.

For building a surface coating, shellac a decent choice. It's not waterproof but organic coatings won't be. Nut oils such as walnut can be used, but over time these can go rancid. Probably the best oil finish is mineral oil (look for butcher block finish). Beeswax or or carnuba wax or a blend would work, too. Wax and oils need to be periodically re-applied.

Pine and other softwoods tend to be too weak and may break when you need them most. Hard wood like ash, maple or oak is more reliable.

Liquid Glass. It comes in an 8-10 oz bottle and can be purchased at an auto parts stores. It's intended purpose is to prevent engines from smoking. It will harden the wood, but make sure to wear gloves when applying it.

Sure. Poplar is ideal for a can or walking stick. It may be steam bent with great care. Experiment and see how it goes!

Pine will still be soft, the epoxy will make an outer shell but, the wood is still soft on the inside. Kind of like an M&M. Pine is still an excellent choice for practicing on and for a lightweight staff.

Pine will almost always be "sappy", which will leach out past the finish and need to be covered with tape or leather over the handle area. It can be used for a walking stick but is not a "good" walking stick and has better uses.