Chapter 10: How and Where to Buy

Walking sticks can be purchased in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Many online walking stick stores are available from which one can select the stick itself, the handle, the accessories, the size and all other variables online. The walking stick can conveniently be shipped right to the new owner’s home. For the new walking stick user, the selection might be a bit overwhelming at first. However, there are some basic steps to selecting a walking stick of the correct size and configuration for the user.

The first decision one needs to make when purchasing a walking stick is whether to buy a right- or left-handed model, or a universal model for either hand. Many people who have asymmetrical injuries or weaknesses prefer a one-handed model for its exceptionally ergonomic qualities. However, while some prefer to walk with the stick on the injured side, others find it easier and more well-balanced to walk with the cane on the opposite side. To make this decision, it is useful for the user to practice with another object before purchasing. This can be a broomstick, or even a stick in the yard. A little practice should tell a user which hand, if either, will predominantly be used to hold the walking stick.

Another variable in walking stick purchasing is height. To size your walking stick, a very rough estimate for the correct cane height is half the height of the user. For a more accurate sizing estimate, you need a partner. The person who will use the cane must stand wearing shoes that are typical for his or her walking. While that person stands upright, the other person inverts the cane, from which the tip or foot has been removed. The cane is placed upside down on the ground next to the user, so the handle is on the ground. The shaft of the cane is then marked where it meets the user’s wrist. This will be the spot where the walking stick is cut prior to reattachment of the tip.

Once you have determined the correct orientation and size of your walking stick, it becomes a matter of selecting a handle. To determine whether a ball handle would be a good choice, try gripping a rubber or plastic ball for a few moments. If it is uncomfortable, a Derby or Fritz handle, or a crook-neck handle might be a more appropriate alternative. A number of household items such as chair backs, appliance handles and other items provide useful mimics for different types of handles.

For the walking stick collector, size and shape may be much less important than display. Many online walking stick manufacturers also offer display cases that can hold a few or several walking sticks in a multi-level format that gives due visualization to each stick in the display. Like the walking sticks themselves, display cases can be purchased in a variety of materials and finishes. One can choose a case made of wood or metal that matches existing furniture in the home. Alternatively, one can select a case to compliment or contrast with the canes to be displayed within it. Even the single-cane user can purchase simple hooks for attaching a walking stick to another piece of furniture in the home such as a table, desk or sofa.