Before we get to the part about this recent piece to start off 2026, let’s start with what a shepherd’s cane is. If you ask ChatGPT, it is a traditional staff designed to assist in guiding and managing livestock, most commonly sheep, across open fields and rugged terrain. Characterized by its long, sturdy shaft and distinctive curved crook at the top, the cane allows a shepherd to gently hook, pull, or steady an animal without causing harm. Typically crafted from durable hardwoods or modern composites, it also serves as a reliable walking aid, helping the user maintain balance on uneven ground. Beyond its practical role in herding, a shepherd’s cane has historically been used as a tool for signaling, personal defense, and even ceremonial or symbolic purposes, making it both a functional implement and a timeless emblem of pastoral life.
Alright, now that we have defined what the typical version of a Shepherd’s Cane is, let’s take a look at this refined version that I recently completed for an international client. It still can be used as a walking stick, only this time it can fend off predators with extreme success. The top, or head of this is solid with “Dragon’s Fire” Damascus steel, while the shaft is stabilized and laced with sheoak with zitan spacers to adjust the height. There is a 24K inlay and engraving featured on the head as well as the foot, which is a collaboration with my good friend, Tyler at Wanderer Metalworks. It also has a family seal on the opposite side, which is not shown to protect their privacy. I am very proud to say that this was surely 1 of my milestone pieces of 2025!
Want extra inspiration? Come check out my other pieces from Jonas Blade’s Collection made over the last 10+ years on my Instagram!
If you are interested, and even have a vision of what you are looking for in the design on your chef’s knife or collector’s blade, fill out a contact form at JonasBlade.com to reach me. Commissions do start around $1,000.
About The Author
Zack Jonas was born and raised in Massachusetts in the 1980’s and is still a New Englander today. With his growing love for art over the years, he took an introductory bladesmithing class at MASSart. It was there that he learned one of his most valuable lessons, which is that everyone has some insight worth learning. Today, he is a full-time bladesmith and feels incredibly fortunate to have found his calling.