Each stick is hand-cut; heat-seasoned in a drying house to lock in its character; then carefully sanded to allow the grain and bard to "glow". They are finished with lacquer and fitted with a leather thong or strap and a steel-reinforced neoprene rubber tip so that you may "walk softly..."¶¶P> Profile: We are one of the largest suppliers of hiking and walking sticks in the U.S., and we have been in the stick business since 1985. Best selling of all of our sticks is the rustic Hickory hiking stick, famous for its strength and durability. Whistle Creek makes sticks "like grandpa would have made." These are products that you would be proud to display in your home, yet not hesitate to use on the trail every day. We have avoided going to aluminum poles (lightning rods) or other mass-manufactured techniques. We have stayed with time-tested traditional methods that have been around since before Moses. Each Whistle Creek product is hand crafted from wood in the U.S. by skilled craftsmen who value the importance of a sturdy "friend" on the trail. Whether you use your stick for arduous mountain treks, strolls in the forest or just for "wandering "round the block," you will soon benefit from the comfort and security that a good walking stick can bring to your outings. Hopefully you will decide to collect all of our sticks for you and your family to use for generations. ¶¶What Size Stick is for Me? Hiking sticks should be 6" to 9" above your el