Use & Care Guide

Lifelong maintenance, DIY repairs, and safety instructions for your GC-Artis cane.

Medical Disclaimer

This cane is designed as a mobility aid for balance and support. It is NOT a medical device or a crutch for full weight-bearing. If you have a serious musculoskeletal condition, are prone to falls, or have undergone major surgery, please consult your doctor before use.

1. Storage & Protection

A handcrafted wooden cane requires mindful handling. Following these basic rules will prevent 90% of accidental damages.

Prevent Falls: Always secure the cane with the included wrist strap. Do not lean the cane against walls, as it easily falls. Store horizontally or use specially designed cane/umbrella stands.
Avoid Heat & Sunlight: Never leave the cane in a hot vehicle, near heating devices, or under direct harsh sunlight. Extreme heat dries the wood, causing warping or cracking.
Check Connections: Ensure the handle is tightly screwed before each use. Loose connections compromise stability (Not applicable to non-separable bronze canes).

2. Cleaning & Polishing

Regular maintenance keeps the protective coating intact and the wood nourished.

🧼 Routine Cleaning

Every 2–4 weeks: Use warm water with mild soap or a certified wooden furniture cleaner. Always wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth to avoid moisture buildup.

Warning!

Never use chemically aggressive substances containing acids or solvents. They will destroy the acrylic varnish.

✨ Annual Polishing

For the Wood: Apply a semi-solid furniture wax/polish once a year. Buff with a soft cloth to restore gloss and moisture protection.

For Metal Parts: Polish bronze/metal with a fine metal cleaner (e.g., 3M). For heavy oxidation, gently use fine emery paper (600–1000 grit) before polishing.

Cane Polishing

3. Minor Damage Repair

Accidents happen. Most superficial scratches and dents can be easily fixed at home without professional help.

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Scratches & Dents

For minor scratches, use a wood restoration marker in a matching color (we typically use Walnut stain under a 30% gloss clear acrylic varnish). You can easily find these at craft stores or online.

View Repair Kit
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Deep Dents

Use furniture repair wax sticks (or liquid wax) to fill the dent, smooth the surface evenly, and let it cure. It seamlessly restores the volume.

4. Advanced Restoration

For complex damage, we recommend a professional wooden furniture restorer. However, if you are a DIY enthusiast, here is how to handle severe issues:

1
Restoring Hard Wood Damage: Sand the old finish (240 to 600 grit). Apply matching stain (Walnut/Black/White) and finish with 2-component acrylic varnish (30% gloss) or multiple coats of oil wax.
2
Replacing Broken Horns/Tusks: Since 2025, we use maple wood and internal metal reinforcement for maximum reliability. If a delicate part still breaks, use a router/drill (7-8 mm diameter, 5-8 mm deep) to remove the remaining piece. Fix a new 3D-printed or carved part using thick 2-part epoxy glue. (Contact us if you need the 3D printer file!)
3
Fixing Small Sculptural Chips: Rebuild the lost volume using UV Cure glue (mixed with sawdust), 2-component putty, or hot glue. Once cured, carve it to shape, sand smooth (240 to 600 grit), and paint. Matching nail polish works great as both color and protective finish for small details.

Replacement Parts

Sending a broken handle to Ukraine for full restoration can be expensive ($55-65 including shipping) and slow. Alternatively, you can purchase a replacement cane part separately at a special lifetime support price. Contact us for details.

5. Proper Grip & Load Limits

How you hold your cane is critical. Walking canes provide an extra point of contact, not full-weight support.

The Golden Rule: Index Finger Down

Place your palm firmly over the center of the handle. Point your index finger straight down the shaft. This aligns the support force precisely with the vertical axis.

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Danger: No "Lever Force"

DO NOT lean heavily on the very back edge of the handle. This acts as a lever and can snap the shaft.

Correct Cane Grip Technique
Cane Type Supports up to
Wooden Canes 🏋️ 250 lbs
Ergonomic Canes 🏋️ 360 lbs
Bronze / Wood + Bronze 🏋️ 260 lbs

6. Hardware & Consumables

Technical specifications for our connections and tips.

⚙️ Connection System (M8)

We use a disassemblable design for easy transport. All handles feature a Female Brass sleeve (M8 x 28 mm, pitch 1.25), and shafts come with a Male Hanger Bolt (M8 x 50mm).

  • Fixing the Thread: If you don't need a disassemblable cane, you can secure the connection completely using metal-bonding glue.
  • Custom Shafts: If installing our handle on your own shaft, ensure your M8 threaded part does not protrude more than 20mm (3/4") to avoid damaging the female thread inside the handle.

🥾 Rubber Tips & Straps

We use standard 3/4'' (19mm) rubber tips for all wooden canes. The Bronze & Wood series comes with an elegant brass tip featuring a small replaceable rubber pad.

Why don't we sell replacements separately?

Shipping a $5 rubber tip from Ukraine costs unreasonably much. You can easily find high-quality standard, 3-pod, or 4-pod tips in the 3/4'' size at any local medical store or on Amazon. (Recommendation: Use a little lubricant when putting a new tight tip on the shaft).

7. Safety Warnings & Warranty

⚠️ Strict Restrictions

  • Inspect before every use. Stop using if you hear crackling sounds or see unstable connections.
  • Do not use the cane as a weapon, strike objects, or set it on fire.
  • Not a toy. Not intended for use by children under 12.
  • May be used by persons with reduced physical/sensory capabilities ONLY if they have been given proper safety instruction.
  • Classified as a general consumer product under Regulation (EU) 2023/988.

🛡️ Warranty & Support

120 Days Warranty: Full coverage for manufacturing defects and shipping damage for 30 days. Limited replacement warranty for the following 90 days.

Lifetime Support: We assist with replacement parts at a special price throughout the cane's life.

Full Refund Policy

💬 Need Replacement Parts or Files?

Whether you need to claim your warranty, buy a separate handle, or request a 3D-printer file for a broken tusk, our workshop is here to assist.

Contact Support