WHAT WOODS DO YOU USE? My hiking stick shafts are made from Appalachian Hickory.  This is the best domestic shaft material that I have found.  They are nicely grained and colored with minimal sap wood, just enough for nice contrast.  They have an excellent strength/weight ratio and make a superior hiking stick. My cane shafts are made from cherry heartwood.  All stick toppers and all cane handles are carved in cherry heartwood. WHY ARE THERE DIFFERENT TOPPER STYLES IN YOUR GALLERY PICTURES? My gallery pictures stretch over many years and some of the pictures do not reflect the changes that have evolved.  My stick toppers (head only) are now done in the style of the ram and grizzly seen on the left.  Gallery pictures will be updated with the new style head as new sticks are made. CAN I SEND YOU A PICTURE OF MY PET? Yes, I will work from customer supplied pet pictures to achieve as much likeness as I can.  There is no additional fee for this. DO YOU DO CUSTOM WORK? I will work with the customer to create a unique and special stick or cane.  This may involve not only a “new carved design”, but may also entail specialty woods, spacers, laser engraving or numerous other options. I would be happy to discuss your ideas and give you a quote for your custom design. WHAT FINISHES DO YOU USE? My sticks and canes are stained –non grain hiding dyes, oiled to seal and enhance grain, and top coated with satin urethane for weathering and abrasion protection.  Maintenance is simple and the finish is very durable. DO YOU HAVE STICKS OR CANES IN STOCK? All of my sticks and canes are made to order and I do not carry any in stock.  I do on occasion have a few sticks and canes available that I have made for display and marketing purposes.  You can find these by clicking on this link.    SPECIALS HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY STICK OR CANE? My current shipping time is about 8 to 10 weeks from ordering date. HOW & WHEN DO I PAY? If paying by credit card you may either phone us your credit card information or you may use PayPal through our online ordering page.  If using PayPal, payment will be immediate.  If you chose to phone with your credit card information, the transaction is processed manually when we start work on your stick. HOW DO YOU SHIP? We generally ship FedEx Ground which usually takes between 6-8 business days to the lower 48.  We can expedite (Express) ship and we can quote rates for this service.  We require a contact phone number when shipping so please include this when ordering.