Holly can be used to make walking sticks that are attractive to the eye and hard wearing in use.
There are, however, some difficulties when working with Holly. The bark can be difficult to retain so it is a bonus when an opportunity arises to produce a 'bark-on' stick.
Other challenges presented by Holly include a tendency for shanks to taper too sharply and the cross section being oval rather than round.
Nonetheless, I enjoy making Holly sticks in spite of the challenges. This is because it is well worthwhile persevering with the species as the end result is invariably a stick with charm and character.
