|
Countryman's Sticks of Strontian
is run by Jack Liversedge, who makes shepherd's crooks
and walking sticks, fishing rod stands and wading poles.
To start, he collects hazel sticks six feet long and
hangs them up for a year to season. The cutting takes
place during the winter.
After a year they are smoothed and straightened, each
one being selected to suit the stick to be made.
The Ram's Horn for a crook has to be boiled for two
hours to soften, and then placed in a clamp to flatten
it.
After two days it is taken out of the clamp and, using
different grades of files, is worked into a crook shape.
It is then hand-polished to a high shine. Buffalo horn
is also worked in the same way.
To fit the handle on to the shank, a steel pin is glued
into the base of the horn and then down into the shank.
Wood-block crooks are all one piece of wood. The shank
has a large block of wood which is shaped with files
to make a crook.
Jack also uses stag and cow horn in making hill sticks
and wading poles for fishermen.
Countryman's Sticks is in Strontian
East of the Meadow, Strontian, PH36 4HZ
Tel. 01967 402346
|
|
Shepherd's Crooks
with Ram's Horns
|
 |
