i used this as a guide for wrapping my hiking staff - using manila rope:

http://www.backpacking.net/makegear.html

look in the left frame for 'accessories', then 'hiking staff.'

here's the 'french whipping' he refers to:

http://www.mikelucasyachting.co.uk/articles/dec_rope_work.htm

i then found and added this leather wrap from the boy scouts:

http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?cat=01RTL&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=CAMPING&C3=HIKING&C4=&LV=3&item=17028&prodid=17028^8^01RTL&

and a 3/4" copper plumbing cap epoxied to the bottom of the staff for protection.

works for me.

good luck!