Artículo: The Solid Stick Umbrella: Why a Full-Length Umbrella Is Worth Carrying
The Solid Stick Umbrella: Why a Full-Length Umbrella Is Worth Carrying
A solid stick umbrella is made in the most traditional way an umbrella can be made: its handle and shaft are one continuous length of wood, with no joint between them. Look closely and the grain runs unbroken from the curve of the handle down into the shaft. It is a full-length umbrella, carried furled on the arm, and for many people the most satisfying kind to own.
This guide explains what makes an umbrella a solid stick, how it differs from other full-length and compact umbrellas, and what to look for when choosing one.
What Is a Solid Stick Umbrella?
In the umbrella trade, a full-length umbrella that does not fold down is called a stick umbrella. Most are made from a shaft with a separate handle fitted to the top. A solid stick goes one step further: the handle and shaft are shaped from a single length of timber, so there is no joint at all.
You may also see full-length umbrellas described as "long umbrellas" or "walking umbrellas": umbrellas long enough to be carried on a walk rather than kept in a bag. A solid stick umbrella is made to be carried, not leant on, and should never be used as a walking stick.
The Bucklesbury London Umbrella: English Chestnut
The Bucklesbury London Umbrella is a solid stick made from one continuous length of English chestnut, from sustainable forests. It is 93 cm long and opens to a canopy 106 cm across, in Japanese-engineered fabric. It is made in Black, French Navy and Dark Green.
The Bucklesbury London Ladies Umbrella: English Maple
The Bucklesbury London Ladies Umbrella is made in the same way from one continuous length of English maple. At 86.5 cm long, with a 92 cm canopy, it suits a smaller frame. It is made in Champagne, Black and Green, and in Ivory White as the Bucklesbury London Wedding Umbrella.
Our guide to beechwood, chestnut and maple explains how the woods differ.
Solid Stick or Fitted Handle?
The Bucklesbury Classic Umbrella shows the other way of making a full-length umbrella: a shaft of solid English beechwood with a handle fitted to it. It is about 91 cm long, weighs about 0.5 kg and has the same 106 cm canopy as the London Umbrella. Both are traditional; the difference is in the construction.
- The joint. On a solid stick there is none: handle and shaft are one piece of wood.
- The grain. On a solid stick it runs unbroken from the handle into the shaft.
- The cover. The Classic and London umbrellas both open to 106 cm, so the choice is about construction rather than size.
Solid Stick or Telescopic?
A telescopic umbrella earns its place in a bag or briefcase: the Bucklesbury Telescopic Umbrella folds to 45 cm and opens automatically to a 102 cm canopy. A solid stick is the opposite: rigid, full-length and carried furled on the arm. Many people own one of each. Our guide to compact umbrellas covers the other half of that choice, and our size guide sets out every measurement side by side.
Carrying and Caring for a Solid Stick
The curved handle hangs over the forearm when both hands are needed, hooks over the back of a chair and rests in a stand by the door. When the rain stops, furl the canopy neatly and fasten it.
Indoors, leave it open to dry before furling it again, and keep it away from radiators, which can cause a wooden handle to lose its shape. Clean the canopy with plain water only. Our Umbrella Care page has the full notes.
A Considered Christmas Gift
A solid stick umbrella makes a fitting gift for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship. Each Bucklesbury umbrella is dispatched in a cotton cover and a Bucklesbury presentation box, ready to give, and the product page has space for an optional gift note. For UK delivery before Christmas, order by 16 December.
Made in London
Every Bucklesbury umbrella is constructed by hand in London, in small batches, using traditional techniques, in a workshop with umbrella-making heritage dating back to 1805. Each is individually finished by a craftsman and carries our Rain Tested In England™ mark. For more on what separates a well-made umbrella, see our guide to British umbrellas and how to choose a luxury umbrella.
