Many people, especially first-time walking stick users, are unsure which type of walking stick handle will best suit their requirements. The main styles and their benefits are as follows:

The Crook

A very traditional style, extremely fashionable in Victorian and Edwardian times (19th & early 20th centuries). The crook, which may be held in either hand with the stick facing either forwards or backwards, offers good everyday support and may be hung over the user's arm when not in use.

The Derby

Reputedly the invention of an earlier Lord Derby, who wanted a supportive walking stick that he could also hook over his arm, this style provides excellent support and can be held in either hand. The user's weight is carried directly over the shaft of this stick. Their hand is supported because it can neither slip forward nor backward. The sides of the derby handle should be rounded for comfort, not flat-sided. One of the most popular handles for the walking stick user in need of light to middling support and balance. Variations include the Melbourne Derby, which has a more rounded shape and the petite derby handle.

The Petite Handle

The petite handle is a variation on the derby handle. It is held the same way, so that the user's weight is carried directly over the shaft of the stick. However, many small and elderly people, especially women, have small hands and find it hard to grasp a standard-sized derby handle properly. They find this handle more manageable and therefore safer.

The Fischer Handle

The Fischer handle was designed by the renowned Austrian arthritis specialist, Dr Fischer. Its contoured shape is of great benefit to many sufferers of arthritis, rheumatism and other hand problems because it is easily grasped and it spreads the user's weight across the palm of the hand. It is very comfortable and fits hands of many sizes. Users who need to hold a walking stick in their hand for long periods often find this style less tiring to use. Available in left and right hand models, the Fischer handle has to be held to appreciate its great value.

The Anatomic Handle

The Anatomic handle also offers excellent orthopaedic support, and is sometimes preferred by people with smaller hands. Occasionally people find that the upturned back of the Fischer handle rubs their hand (sometimes due to their stick being too long, but sometimes a genuine incompatibility). The anatomic handle has a downward curve at the back of the handle, and the user's weight is carried directly over the shaft of the stick.

The 'Relax-grip' Handle

The 'Relax-grip' handle is an elegant style of orthopaedic handle. The 'Relax-grip' is suitable for larger and smaller hands and provides excellent support at the front, where it is designed to prevent the hand slipping forwards.

The Swan-neck

The swan-neck is a contemporary design, named for the curved shape of the stick, which is usually aluminium. The handle itself is usually a tubular shape, cushioned with foam for a soft-grip feel. As with the derby cane, the theory is that the user's weight is carried directly over the shaft of the stick, making it suitable for orthopaedic use by those who need to place a fair amount of weight on their stick.

The Thumb Stick

The Thumb stick is a traditional, country handle. It is formed when the shoot of wood divides in a natural 'V'. It is held with the user's thumb resting in the 'V' and their other fingers clasped around the neck of the stick. Thumb sticks with naturally wide 'V's can also be used as elbow rests. Highly sought-after, the thumb stick is a classic British country stick.

The Knobstick

A traditional British walking stick, the knobstick is made from coppiced wood, usually ash, hazel or blackthorn. The original tree is cut back, and the resultant shoots form the raw material for walking sticks. The 'knob' handle is formed from the parent tree, so that the walking stick is in effect grown upside down. A good knobstick fits comfortably into the palm of the hand.

The Hiking Staff

The hiking staff is a simple, straight wood shaft, usually fitted with a wrist loop. The user grasps it with their palm and fingers wrapped firmly around the staff.

The Shepherd's Crook

Traditionally used by shepherds when herding their flock; the crook handle makes the stick easy for the shepherd to wield, and can also be used for catching sheep around the neck. Variations include the 'Leg Cleek' which has a narrower crook, and is used for catching sheep around the leg. Many shepherd's crooks are used for everyday country walks and more ornate versions are popular as gifts and presentation items.

The Pistol Grip

The pistol grip handle is loosely based on the off-set shape of a pistol handle. Like the rustic knobstick, it fits comfortably into the palm of the hand and makes a formal yet practical walking stick suitable for everyday use.

The Novelty Cane

Inspired by the collector's canes of the Victorian and Edwardian eras (19th & early 20th centuries), many novelty walking sticks are bought as presents and by collectors of walking sticks (ambulists). Handle designs include depictions of animals, birds and famous people among many other inspirations. Not generally suitable for orthopaedic use, these are canes to be enjoyed as elegant and amusing fashion statements.

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