The Brazos Free Form Ironwood Walking Stick, also known as American Hornbeam, is a popular choice for those seeking an extremely strong stick coupled with a one-of-a-kind look and feel. Please note that it is common for ironwood sticks to have cracks, especially on the ends. These naturally formed cracks do not inhibit the stability of ironwood staffs in any way. Free Form Ironwood Walking Stick owners can feel confident that when walking through trails or hiking through dense forests, their ironwood staff will be an invaluable support that will offer reliability for years to come. Its bark -- resembling a deer antler -- is naturally ridged. The staff is carefully cut, sanded smoothly, and sprayed with a protective clear coat lacquer bringing out rich contrasts between darker areas (those deeper inside its ridges) and lighter areas of the bark. Like all of Brazos' handcrafted products, the Free Form Ironwood Walking Stick is made in the USA by their skilled craftsmen using the highest quality materials and time-tested methods.