Anyone else into Blackthorn sticks?

[RL1]

I just got my first authentic Blackthorn Shillelah! This one was made by Francis McCaffrey and took just three days to get from Ireland to Canada. Thankfully it was packaged well (I’ve had other types of sticks arrive poking through the package!)



I picked this one because of the unique hook on the end







A bit tight but the hook could serve as a hand guard



I can still get my hand around it



The business end





Bottom of the hook



Grippy foot



With my Ka-Bar TDI cane



And a Strider PAB for size reference



Tough to demonstrate how the hook might be used for trapping while trying to balance my camera lol



Mounted in my AKU Strike Tactical Cane Clip









I feel so distinguished lol



Fully deployed



And now for some thoughts. First of all, it is lighter than I expected. Secondly, it will take some getting used to! I am more accustomed to sticks that are straight, balanced, and the same thickness all the way through. This is the opposite of all of those. It has twists and knots, one end is heaver than the other, and one end is thicker than the other. Not to say these are bad at all, just different than what I am used to so I have to experiment a bit to see what works for me. I am exploring the traditional ways Shillelahs are used (kind of like boxing).

All in all I am happy with it and have already ordered a shorted cudgel!

RL

[RL1]

And then there were two! Lol…just a day after receiving my first Shillelah, I ordered a cudgel!

Got some strange looks from the concierge about the package lol



I think he would keep quiet if he saw what was inside!





Indeed, I would not like to be on the receiving end of this!





Ready for an evening stroll



Hmmmm now I need a hiking stick….

RL

[Battle Beaver]

It looks a lot more disgusting OUT of it's package!

And then there were two! Lol…just a day after receiving my first Shillelah, I ordered a cudgel!

Got some strange looks from the concierge about the package lol



I think he would keep quiet if he saw what was inside!





Indeed, I would not like to be on the receiving end of this!





Ready for an evening stroll



Hmmmm now I need a hiking stick….

RL

[kennymo]

It looks a lot more disgusting OUT of it's package!

Like some sort of bizarre potato retrieval device?

[RL1]

gasp! how dare you

[kennymo]

No fancy sticks, but the old lady did bring me back a proper wool driving cap from Mucros weavers when she was in Ireland this Spring.

https://mucrosweavers.ie/caps-wholesale/driving-cap/

No.34 in the catalogue since I’m still struggling to post pics….it even fits my overstuffed melon.

[Battle Beaver]

Like some sort of bizarre potato retrieval device?

Now that you mention it..... yes.

[Brad]

My grandfather had a black thorn cane, it was his fathers. I never saw him without this cane. One day in he got confused and lost his cane in a store. I wish I could have found it