The Best Woods For Making A Shillelagh Stick

The shillelagh stick is something of an Irish symbol having originated in the emerald isle but is a popular item all over the world. Shillelaghs have been crafted from many different types of wood over the years. However, which wood is the best to use for a shillelagh is a matter of opinion. The preferred choice of wood has changed over time for a variety of reasons not least because of supply and demand.

People often ask me about the best woods for making a shillelagh stick. The truth is, most hard woods should suffice and will form a grand stick. Weight can be added courtesy of molten lead, if required. The original shillelaghs were made from oak. Legend says they were named after the famous shillelagh forest. Oak was a hard wood that was in plentiful supply although stocks became scarce in later years.

Woods

Blackthorn replaced oak as the wood of choice. Many Irish people speak fondly of the blackthorn. It certainly makes a fine shillelagh. It is a very dense, close grained wood and the size-to-weight ratio is just about perfect. This hard wood is also in very short supply so prices tend to reflect that. Ash is also widely used to make the shillelagh. This wood is famous for making baseball bats so it has a reputation for being a strong timber that packs a punch.

Woods like apple and hazel have a warm coloured grain and make good sticks although finding a good sized hazel can be a task in itself. It may come as a surprise to some but even maple and willow have been used to craft a desirable shillelagh stick. After reading this article, you should now have a better idea of what the best woods are for making a shillelagh. Now all you have to do is go find a suitable stick and make that shillelagh.

The Best Woods For Making A Shillelagh Stick

The author is an expert on the history and construction of the Irish blackthorn shillelagh. He is one of the few craftsmen who strive to keep the tradition alive today. You will find various Blackthorn Shillelagh cudgels for sale at his personal website. For more information relating to the shillelagh stick, please visit: Shillelagh resources.