Introducing the newest weapon to my armory, the English Quarterstaff. I don’t know how this fine weapon eluded me for so many years, but thanks to a fencing student of mine, I’ve found a new training tool. Pictured here, in the lovely arms of my wife Jenny, is the might beast itself… a weapon constructed for no more than $12 USD.
Before I proceed, Jenny wants me to apologize for the mess in the background. But you, my friends know – how could I possibly have the chance to fold clothes AND construct a weapon of such beauty? The answer had to be, “The staff comes first.”
For those that aren’t familiar, wikipedia defines the Quarter staff as such:
A quarterstaff (plural quarterstaves), also short staff or simply staff is a traditional European pole weapon and a technique of stick fighting, especially as in use in England during the Early Modern period.
The term is generally accepted to refer to a shaft of hardwood from 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 m) long, sometimes with a metal tip, ferrule, or spike at one or both ends. The term “short staff” compares this to the “long staff” based on the pike with a length in excess of 11 to 12 feet (3.4 to 3.7 m).
HOW TO MAKE ONE YOURSELF
It started with a trip to Lowes Home Improvement, where I picked up an 8′ dowel rod 1 and 1/4th inches thick (made of poplar). The price of this was only $7.50. My next trip was over the the Dollar General, whereby I purchased one double-pack of household sponges and one black oven mitt. As you might be able to work out yourself, this turn out to be $2.12. My final stop was Michael’s, just next door in the ol’ shopping center. Michael’s is a craft store and one in which I was only after one particular item – twine rope ($2.43).
When you get home and lay out all your supplies, the simplicity of the task is likely to smack you right in the face.
A few optional items that I used (that you may want to use yourself) were duct tape, a rubber chair end (1 & 1/4inch) and a walnut-color wood stain [again, going for more of an “antique-y” look].
- After staining the wood and allowing it to dry, I taped the sponges to the end of the staff. This gave it a soft, round, end, with quite a bit of cushion to it.
- Then I positioned the black, oven mitt to the end (pushing the thumb inside-out) and tightly taping the lower half of the mitt to the staff.
- Since the tape is rather “modern” and unattractive to look at, I meticulously wrapped the twine rope around the lower portion of the mitt. This was a time-consuming process (approx. 45min – 1 hour) and obviously could be omitted if one wished.
- Lastly, I applied a rubber chair end/stopper to the end of the staff. I figured that if the staff was ever to be dropped or handled roughly, this would minimize splitting and damaging of the staff’s aesthetic.
THE PERFECT WORK-OUT
Needless-to-say, this quick and inexpensive project produced a superb training tool. After only one hour of practice, my arms were killing me. I’d be surprised to find a martial art weapon that works the arms and core like pole weapon training.
Good luck in the construction of your own! Please let me know if you have any questions or comments below.
MICHAEL JOYCE
WSFENCING.INFO
combativecorner.wordpress.com 