How do I make a Shillelagh?

Question

How do I make a Shillelagh?

Answer 1

A little late to the game, but just so you know, it does not, in fact, HAVE to be blackthorn. In fact, the original ones were made out of oak; they only started using blackthorn when most of the oak was gone from Ireland. Just about any hardwood will do the trick, in all truth.

Answer 2

1- pull a blackthorn bush that is basically straight out of the ground. it must be cut at the coldest time of year you want to use the piece of wood the root is connected to, and it should be 3-4feet long depending on your strength, but leave a bit extra because it will crack when drying. the root is a round shape, but sand it until it is smooth. cut the thorns off as close to the stick as possable. DO NOT REMOVE THE BARK.

2- the hardening process. place it up a chimney, or bury it in a dung heap for two-three months.

3- drying. if it was up a chimney it will probably be dry, but if you put it in a dung heap it wont be as dry. clean the stick and place it somewhere warm and dry. you leave it to dry for one year per inch of thickness, eg. if it is an inch and a half thick, leave it for 18months.