what is the method used to bend the crook in wooden walking canes?

Greetings Jp5699:

I have found numerous resources for you to consider including online
instructions should you not wish to purchase a book or video about the
process.

Steam bending - How to steam bend wood
[This is very comprehensive and should tell you all you need to know
to bend wood - it also gives dimensions for various woods in relation
to the maximum that will successfully bend]
http://www.megspace.com/lifestyles/njmarine/Steam.html

You will find a diagram and directions for steam bending wood at the
same site at http://www.megspace.com/lifestyles/njmarine/mold.html

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More directions for steam bending wood
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/woodworking/wood-bend/

and 

http://www.bluemud.org/article/18152

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Woodworkers Guild - buy video how-to on wood bending
[see 3rd and 4th entries near top of page]
http://users.stargate.net/~jmattson/Woodgild/library.htm

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FAqs on wood bending
http://www.nrdcindia.com/pages/wood.htm

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The history of wood bending [article begins on this page and
continues]
http://www.candidus-prugger.com/28-1_Biegeholz-Info/page28-1en.htm

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Complete Manual of Wood Bending  $24.00
http://www.cambiumbooks.com/books/woodwork_techniques/0-941936-54-6/

Complete Manual of Wood Bending $18.17
http://www.wbthub.com/The-Complete-Manual-of-Wood-Bending-Milled-Laminated-and-Steambent-Work-0941936546

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bending wood (boiling in water}
"Wood can best be softened to a semi-plastic state for bending
purposes by steaming it. Actually, immersing the wood in boiling water
for approximately 15-30 minutes may be considered to be the ultimate
softening treatment for the homebuilder. This softening method may be
fine for wing rib. capstrips but such an accommodation for larger
pieces of wood will require a more functional container than a pot. A
large diameter steel pipe with one end capped would do. Just add water
and heat it and you will have a fine steamer for longer wood parts."
http://members.eaa.org/home/homebuilders/building/wood/Laminating%20and%20Bending%20Wood.html

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Steam bending wood (steaming and/or boiling)
http://www.primitiveways.com/bending.html

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bending wood - options
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Bending_wood.html

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The book, video or online instructions should provide you with the
information you need to bend wood.  Thank you for asking this
interesting question!

Best regards,
journalist-ga


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Aside from bending there is another method used by Gaelic shepherds. 
Rather than bend a normally straight peice, they would find a likely
cane (or crook) attached to a similarly sized, or slightly larger
branch, with a large enough mass at the top of it to carve the hook. 
(Think Little-Bo-Peep)