Shillelagh: historic Irish War Club

Known by many names, including bata in Gaelic - which means, fighting stick - the original club gets its name from the Shillelagh Forest in County Wicklow. The forest was once famous for its massive stands of fine oaks. Blackthorn is a hardwood harvested by the Irish and British peoples and has long been used for walking canes and even the traditional shillelagh.

Detail of the Shillelagh

Crafted from a short length of blackthorn wood with a large coppice knob end, the shillelagh (Irish spelling: sail éille) is a traditional Irish war club or fighting weapon. Indeed, the expression 'Shillelagh law' refers to a brawl. Often regarded as a symbol of Irishness, the shillelagh is traditionally kept behind the bar in Irish pubs. The Classic Canes shillelagh is fitted with a leather wrist loop, so it can be hung on a hook, and is approximately 16" in length. Item weight is approximately 1.3 lbs or 590g.

Collector's Quality shillelagh

We offer fine specimens of this seasonal, limited quantity Blackthorn Shillelagh for your enjoyment. Each shillelagh is unique and rustic. Imperfections, cracks and blemishes are naturally occuring in each piece adding to the character and invidual beauty of each. These are heirloom grade and we guarantee your satisfaction.

Use it as a counterbalance while walking, though at 16-21" it should be noted this is not a walking stick. Slainte!

Shillelaghs are traditionally made from blackthorn (sloe) wood (Prunus spinosa) or oak. The wood would be smeared with butter and placed up a chimney to cure, giving the Shillelagh its typical black shiny appearance.

Shillelaghs may be hollowed at the heavy "hitting" end and filled with molten lead to increase the weight beyond the typical one pound; this sort of Shillelagh is known as a 'loaded stick'. They are commonly around 20 inches long. Most also have a heavy knob which can be used for striking as well as parrying and disarming an opponent.

• Shaft: Blackthorn
• Knob: polished
• 18-21 inch length
• Complimentary leather wrist strap-can be removed

• Note: Natural wood sticks are mostly un-modified specimens; as a result they are irregular, organic and less "finished" than other cut and stained type walking sticks. As a consequence:

  • Blackthorns and other root knob/natural state based sticks and canes have irregular cracks, dents, undulations.
  • Some larger cracks may be filled with wood filler in some instances.
  • Natural wood knobsticks are not meant for rigorous support of full weight individuals; rather, these are used for light support and balance while walking, hiking or trekking under average conditions.
  • Sticks should be kept dry, in a moderate environment.
  • Extreme heat or cold can and will cause some blackthorn sticks to "flake" off exterior bark, despite the light pitch finish used on them.
  • Avoid moisture, water submersion or other wet conditions, they too can distress the natural properties of your cane. Dry your walking stick once indoors if walking in inclement weather. Natural based oils may be use lightly and sparingly.
  • Do not lacquer the stick; you will not be pleased with the outcome.
  • Should you have specific requests please put them into the comments box at checkout or call ahead at 1.888.537.LUXE to discuss options that may be available. Note that specific requests can and may delay your shipment until we receive specimens we feel match your desire.
  • Modifications to or evidence of poor treatment, storage or upkeep will mitigate the 30 day warranty on these sticks.