Depending on raw material availability, in some rare instances this staff may be made out of oak instead of ash. Both oak and ash have similar properties and strength-to-weight ratios. Our Hitchhiker Walking Stick is handcrafted from a solid piece of ash, making it a strong, and relatively lightweight, walking stick that is ideal for any hiking endeavor. Incidentally, ash is the wood-of-choice for making baseball bats, thanks to its renowned strength-to-weight ratio. Each piece of ash is meticulously chosen, prepared, cut, and sanded, giving it our distinctive twist. Each staff is then beautifully stained in one of three colors -- brown, red, and tan -- magnifying the wood's beautiful grain patterns. Finally, every stick is sprayed with a protective clear coat lacquer. The result is a smooth finish that highlights the wood's intrinsic beauty. The finished staff is a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted walking stick that is both sturdy and attractive. This staff comes in one of four sizes: 41-inches (primarily a child's size"), 48-inches, 55-inches, and 58-inches. The Hitchhiker Walking Stick comes with a standard rubber ferrule for a firm, secure grip on virtually any surface. For serious hiking, the rubber ferrule can also be upgraded to a spike ferrule or combination spike ferrule per your choice. Like all of our finely crafted walking sticks and canes, the Hitchhiker Walking Stick is made in the USA by our skilled craftsmen using the highest quality wood and time-tested methods."