Why Fake Blackthorn Is Everywhere
Blackthorn sticks are iconic—but true Irish blackthorn is hard to source and even harder to shape. That’s why some sellers cut corners, using painted wood, resin replicas, or mass-produced imports labeled “shillelagh” with little to no authenticity.
A genuine blackthorn stick is a work of time, nature, and Irish hands—not something churned out by the hundred.
Luxury Blackthorn walking stick with Handle
1. Check the Bark
Real blackthorn bark is dark and textured with knots and occasional scars. You’ll often find traces of the original thorn stubs (filed down safely), and the surface may have slight cracks from years of seasoning.
If the bark is flawlessly smooth or shiny like plastic, it’s likely fake—or covered in too much lacquer.
2. Look for Natural Curves
Blackthorn rarely grows perfectly straight. A genuine stick often has a slight bend or twist, especially in the shaft. That’s not a flaw—it’s character.
Mass-produced fakes are often too straight or too uniform—made to look like “ideal sticks” but with no soul.
Luxury Blackthorn walking stick with Handle
3. Examine the Handle
Traditional blackthorn shillelaghs have a knobbed head made from the root or a thick branch section. Irish walking sticks may have curved or T-shaped handles.
Watch out for glued-on or plastic handles pretending to be root knobs. If the grain or wood colour doesn’t match—walk away.
Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick
4. Feel the Weight
Blackthorn is dense. It feels solid in the hand without being heavy like oak. Fake or poor-quality sticks often feel too light, hollow, or unbalanced—especially those made from soft woods or resin.
You want something that feels alive in your grip.
5. Ask the Right Questions
When in doubt, ask the seller:
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Where was this stick made?
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What wood is it made from?
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Is it seasoned or freshly cut?
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Was the stick handmade?
At MyIrishWalkingStick.com, we can answer all of those with pride.
Irish walking stick in Blackthorn and Hazel
Bonus Tip – Beware of “Tourist Shillelaghs”
Those polished souvenir sticks sold in airport shops or market stalls may look fun—but they’re not made for use. Often stained pine or hollowed resin, they’re decorative only.
Fine for hanging on a wall, not for hiking the Wicklow Way.
There’s nothing like owning a real Irish blackthorn stick—but only when it’s the real thing. At MyIrishWalkingStick.com, every piece is handcrafted in Ireland by skilled makers using real blackthorn, properly seasoned and shaped with pride. Shop with confidence and carry a true piece of Ireland.