Gentleman’s Dog Headed Cane Part 1

4 days ago

2 min read

I wanted to make a traditional city stick or everyday cane, using a combination of traditional and modern components, and I thought I would document every step of the way in case anyone wanted to make a similar one. I am doing an traditional oil finish on the shaft and a non traditional damascus steel collar and ferrule. The shaft is straight grained hickory 7/8" in diameter.

The handle is based on the famous Remington dog head cane handle from the late 1800's, although I had reproductions carved from buffalo horn in place of the original gutta-percha. I will be using ruby cabochons for eyes.

These are some photos of different orignal Remington handles, as can be seen it looks like they came from the same mold

I will put links to all the parts I used at the end but someone could easily substitute different materials, for instance oak dowels are readily available at many local hardware stores, just pick one that is straight grained, and various copper, brass, and steel tubes are available that can be cut and formed into collars and ferrules. Yes the parts I used, both damascus and horn, are sold by me but others could be substituted. The options for handles available for purchase are too numerous to mention this is just one example. Or you could carve your own design from wood, bone, or horn. Also you could substitute your favorite finishing materials for mine.

Everything seen here is done using simple hand tools, from a hammer and chisel, to tubing cutters, rasps, files, and sandpaper. Nothing is very difficult or requires a well equiped shop. An electric sander might speed things along a bit but isn't necessary.

Although this isn't one of the so called self-defense canes seen advertised today it is a solid piece of hickory, steel tipped at each end, with a somewhat pointed buffalo horn handle, a pointy but blunt steel ferrule, and would probably work well if need arises. In size it replicates many of the common singlestick's available for practice. 1" sticks are typically 50% heavier than 7/8" but I think 7/8" is handier and faster to use. You could substitute the 7/8" with 1" or even 1 1/8" if you prefer a more club like stick.

Materials:

Hickory Shaft 7/8" Diameter Straight Grained Dowel 36" Long