[Alex Burnett]

Well that's me finally managed to get home again & started building.

As this one is destined for Nova Scotia I have used Maple & Canadian Redwood Burl
with Bloodwood & White Ash spacers for the handle & Reel Seat.











Alex

[Rob Brownfield]

 

Loving the idea on the handle.

[Mike Barrio]

Looking great Alex

Best wishes
Mike

[Matt Henderson]

Very nice!

[Marc Fauvet]

that's a lovely handle ! how does it compare weight-wise with a standard cork grip ?

cheers,
marc

[Alex Burnett]

Marc

I don't have a cork handle exactly the same size at the moment
but have weighed the closest I have which is about 10mm shorter
than the wooden handle.

The Cork Handle weighs 13g & the Wooden Handle weighs 35g so
I would say like for like approx 20g/21g difference.

Alex

[Rob Brownfield]

This is an interesting one. Using a heavy reel seat can make a rod feel lighter in the hand, whilst increasing the overall weight of the rod. I guess the same would go for the handle to a greater or lesser extent?

I guess I am preaching to the converted anyway

[Alex Burnett]

Hi Rob

That's the theory behind it, also the reason why once people handle the rod they
are surprised to find it does not feel awkward & believe that the handle is not heavy.

Alex

[Marc Fauvet]

so, that's almost a three to one ratio. thanks a lot for taking the time to weigh these, Alex. much appreciated !

[Ben Dixon]

I was expecting the handle I tried to be slippery and uncomfortable but it is pretty good, grips well and does not feel hard at all.

Nice job Alex 

Cheers

Ben

[Alex Burnett]

Thanks Ben


You are not alone in thinking that but to date all who have handled the rods have been pleasantly surprised
to find they are as you say not slippery or awkward in the hand.

Alex

[Sandy Nelson]

I was expecting the handle I tried to be slippery and uncomfortable but it is pretty good, grips well and does not feel hard at all.

Just what you are used too then

Sandy

[Iain Goolager]

 

I agree Alex. The handle looks like it'd feel like holding a truncheon (cue 2 x ontenders) but it reality it's totally the opposite.

I still like the look of cork but then what do I know.

nice one Catboy 

Iain

[Alex Burnett]

Iain

One day you too will have a rod with a handle just like this. 

You know you want one Iain 

Alex

[Rob Brownfield]

I think I am going to have a go with a handle like this. I have a hankering for a "stealth" nymphing rod and the dark wood would suit, especially if I can find a dark, mottled patten.

[Marc Fauvet]

why don't you just wear a camo glove ?...     

[Rob Brownfield]

And then I would not have an excuse to experiment with handle materials

Since when have fishermen been logical. 

[Marc Fauvet]

fly fishers are logical. it's the others that are a little weird...        

[Alex Burnett]

Well that's the Handle fitted, Whipping Check on & whipped and Decals fitted.
Tip section also complete, just 2 middle sections to go...





Alex

[Alex Burnett]

Well that's her ready for Epoxy, first coat tomorrow hopefully.



Alex

[Mike Barrio]

Looking good Alex

Cheers
Mike

[Alex Burnett]

First coat on & drying.



Alex

[Matt Henderson]

Alex,

It's looking braw.   I'd right like a cast with a wooden handle, before I comitted to making one though! 

One dafty question though, see wtih your four section drier, how do you do the whippings at the end of each section?  Are they not held with the clamps and stop you putting epoxy there?

Cheers

Matt

[Alex Burnett]

Hi Matt

Any time you want a cast let me know I'm sure we can arrange something whilst at Haddo.

Handle section faces right, sections 2 & 3 face left & tip section is mounted onto a broken section of an old rod & faces right.

The end ferrules are not in the clamps, hopefully the below picture will explain.



Alex

[Alex Burnett]

Well that's her finished & ready to go to Nova Scotia.





Alex