One or two I've done. If I'm allowed a comment, holly, possibly is the loveliest white wood, when stripped, for stick making. (In my opinion). Next to it might be stripped blackthorn. When cutting holly it possibly would be best in the late Autumn when the sap is dropping and then laid for at least a year. After assembling your stick there are a number of oils available from wood turning establishments which, again in my opinion, are far better than varnish. I'll admit to liking a finer finish more in keeping with a lady like look but the Devils in the beholder and for a bushing stick that loo