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0 The image of a blackthorn shillelagh is as Irish as Finn McCumhail himself. But what exactly is a shillelagh, where did these fighting sticks come from, and if you want to buy one, what do you need to know?
This (very) short guide should be able to help with that.
What Is a Shillelagh?
First, let’s get the pronunciation out of the way – it’s pronounced “shill-ay-lee” with stress on the second syllable. It comes from Irish Gaelic and likely derives from “sail èille,” which basically means “stringed willow,” though the etymological origins are somewhat a matter of debate.
Also spelled shillelah and shillaly in English (which are both corruptions of the original name but somewhat preserve the pronunciation) the shillelagh is a fighting stick, typically made of a knotty piece of blackthorn, a hard, dense wood that is extremely strong.
These Irish fighting sticks can vary considerably in shape and size. Though they are usually somewhat straight, with a knob for a handle, they can be either quite long or quite short, depending.
While the stick itself is typically made of blackthorn, sometimes molten lead is poured into the rounded handle knob in order to add extra weight. These are known as “loaded” shillelaghs. Occasionally, a copper or steel ferrule is fitted around the base of the stick to prevent splitting or premature wear.
A distinct Irish martial art known as “bataireacht,” which loosely translates to “beating” or “fighting” has evolved over the centuries, and focuses largely on the use of this unique stick. It is said that this discipline evolved slowly from the use of swords, axes, spears and other polearms until the prevalence and affordability of blackthorn made fighting with the walking stick more accessible.
Then again, it should also be noted that though a shillelagh can indeed be a very powerful weapon, it also has its more peaceful and utilitarian purposes. They are widely used in lieu of canes as walking sticks, and some enterprising upland bird and rabbit hunters use these sticks to beat brush, flushing game out into the open.
All in all, the shillelagh is so stereotypical of Ireland and Irish culture that it has come to metonymously symbolize the nation of Ireland itself.
Why Carry a Shillelagh?
If you’re Irish or love Irish culture or history, then the answer here is self explanatory. The shillelagh is an indelible mark of Irish pride and nationality, as Irish as a four-leafed clover or St. Patrick.
There are other more practical reasons to consider carrying a shillelagh, however. One of them has to be the joint nature of utility paired with discretion.
In areas where you can’t openly carry other forms of deterrence, such as a blade or firearm, a high-quality shillelagh can be carried much more discreetly, without raising any alarm.
And don’t let its somewhat subtle nature deceive you. Blackthorn is an incredibly hard wood that can take quite a bit of abuse. A good shillelagh offers a great deal of reach and can make quite a formidable weapon in the right hands.
On top of that, the variety should make it fairly easy for you to find a high-quality option that fits your needs in terms of length and weight.
Where to Get a High-Quality Shillelagh?
Here because you want a high-quality shillelagh, either for practical use or for a collection? Take a look at what’s offered over at True Swords. They carry a highly durable version, but instead of being made from blackthorn, it’s made from high-strength molded polypropylene that is light, durable and strong. You’d never be able to tell it from the “real” thing and it’ll perform just the same.
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