Solomon/PNG for want of better info

[ausjulius]

Originally Posted by RobT

Tim Simmons,

I have read that fighting canes were hardened by smearing them with butter and shoving them up the chimney for a while. The heat was said to harden the wood. I don't know any details about the procedure, whether it worked, or even if it was actually done and isn't just an old wives' tale. If true however, your club could have been given a similar treatment and that could account for the darkening on the business end. Really nice club in any event.

Sincerely,
RobT

Smoking clubs was common in Gallic cultures. It ads patina to the club, keeps off any insects, makes it black and shiny and gives it a durable surface colour that doesn't wear of easily.
It's drys the wood hard and makes it dense and stable. Like the wooden combs in Japan. I've seen baskets from cane smoked too as it keeps off rot and insects and looks nice. But I've not seen any Pacific clubs smoked