>>2781377Do you actually want to make a walking stick, or a hiking staff? Because those two are pretty different. Walking sticks aren't really worth it unless you're either half-crippled or walking on flat, frozen surfaces.
In either case, avoid varnish. Once it gets scratched (which it will, if you use the stick) it looks like shit. My rec would be to get some wax (I use beeswax since I've got excess, but candle wax will do) and rub / soak it in under hot air (hairdryer or air gun).
Get a metal tip. Preferably one that'll fit rubber tips, as the metal clinking against pavement becomes annoying quickly. Leaving the wood bare means it'll wear out fast.
For a walking stick, you'll want a y-shaped stem. The bottom part where it splits becomes the handle (spherical, carved or whatever shape you want). That way, you interrupt the layers of the wood less and are less likely to have it split. It should be long enough that you can rest your hand on it with the forearm just bellow horizontal. And forget wrist straps, they're a meme.
Walking sticks only work properly on even surfaces and are useless in rough terrain.
For a hiking staff, you'll want it to be at least shoulder length (taller if you're in the mountains) and about the same diameter everywhere, so you can adjust your grip for walking up- or downhill. Staves are great in tough terrain, but a bit cumbersome on roads or maintained trails.
Good woods are basically the same you'd make tool handles or bows from. My staff i ash, my walking stick (that I barely use, since it doesn't give any advantage) is hazel.
