Treating an old stick

[Grazy]

I have a lovely old antler head thumb walking stick but the lower half of the stick is looking tired as it was used for beating last year. Shou,d I just sand all the stick back, remove all the bark and then stain/varnish or should you not do that. I think the wood is hazel.

Many thanks.

[pegasus bridge]

I would lightly sand, taking the edge off any scratches (but not taking the bark off) and then rub it down with linseed oil.

Edited November 23, 2014 by pegasus bridge

[Grazy]

Many thanks. Some of the bark has already come of whilst beating but will just lightly sand the rest. I'll get some linseed oil as I only have a rich oak stain that I used for my floorboards.

[Llanshooter]

I put heat shrink tube on my beating stick - protects the stick quite well but not overly pretty.

 

Bought 1 inch diameter tube from eBay, slipped it on and applied hot airblower. Might be worth a try

[Outlander]

As pegasus says give it a good rub down and either linseed oil it or a bit of varnish. should be good as new.

[rtaylor]

All adds to the character.

[Lord Geordie]

I use danish oil on mine!

[Grazy]

Thanks all, I'll post some before and after pictures.