Forever fascinated by canes, the author has always collected themhe even has his grandma's and grandpas walking sticks. And, as a professional woodcarver, he knows theres a good market for them. Walking sticks come in three basic categories: the cane, which is a walking aid or a gentlemans walking stick; the staff or hiking stick, which is head-high; and the chest-high quarterstaff, which Toms grandpa used to call a thunk stick. Each of these types is generously represented among the 86 patterns in this book. Their designs include everything from fish to dragons and birds to beavers. This is a valuable reference book for all carvers.