4wt - Birch bark handle

Hello everyone. Thought I would share some images of my newest project. This is a 4 pc 4wt built on the Cabelas PT+ blank which has a nice moderate action for those of you that like lazy casting strokes such as myself. The handle is my first attempt at using birch bark. Lots of work but I do enjoy the finished product. I think I will use birch bark again soon. The handle consists of Stabilized maple burl at the ends, blank walnut trim pieces, two pieces of brown burl cork and birch bark in the center. The reel seat is a Lemke which I turned a stabilized maple burl insert for. The guides are H&H. I typically put either a decorative wrap or a feather inlay on my rods, but I wanted the handle to be the center of attention on this one. I also put a hook keeper on this which is uncommon for me. But since I plan on using this for very small dry flies I thought it would be easier than hooking it to the stripping guide which is quite heavy wire.
Your honest opinions are much appreciated, and I gladly accept constructive criticism :-)
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...4wt/Handle.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u.../Base_Wrap.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...ping_Guide.jpg
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...SnakeGuide.jpg
Thanks for looking.
Matt

VERY NICE! If it doesn't meet with your expectations, I know where you can 'pitch' it!

My only suggestion would be to have used something darker for the trim rings to better set off the burl cork. The dark pieces of birch bark and the dark maple tend to overshadow them. Perhaps thin black plastic of some sort. I am trying to find time to turn one of reddish brown pine bark that I have stabilized and glued up. I just happened to have a thin piece of white plexiglass available and cut trim rings from that. I have no earthly idea how well it will turn; by will soon find out! Will post my results, and comments when done.

Cheers,
aged sage

Very Nice

Eric

Beautiful job.

Dave

Criticism? You want criticism? Um, Sorry nothing to criticize. Nice job!

Beaver

Beautiful, beautiful build!! My favorite rod has a birch bark grip made for me by Mike Popick. I love the way the grip warms to your hand while casting!

I like that grip and seat combo. It is beautiful as it is. I have often wondered why some folks will turn a seat out of one type of wood and don't match it on the grip.

All we can say is WOW. Great job!

Eric

Your skills and attention to details show in that rod. If you wish to have it "broke in" on some trout, just send it my way and I will gladly do that for you and at no charge to you.

That, sir, is a very beautiful rod...Thanks for sharing...

That is a real handsome build. The handle is absolutely beautiful.

Nice work ya did there... There is only one small problem I see with your rod grip... It aint on my bamboo rod...

that's rather beautiful. does the slick finish cause blisters?

Wes,
The finish may have a sheen to it, though it's anything but slick. It's smooth, but like cork, there's a tooth to it.... a texture, almost. It warms in your hand and just feels GOOD!

That's a beautiful grip Matt!

Steve

Thanks for all the kind words everyone! I have yet to get this one on the river, but Tuesday night will have that problem solved. The fishing up here is getting hot so hopefully can break it in with a nice brown :-)

Wes - as Betty has pointed out the birch bark does have a soft feel to it. Almost leathery. I havent cast it for a long enough time to cause any blisters yet, but I have made plenty of handles out of solid wood and those have never been a problem. I suppose only time will tell. It sure does feel good in the hand though.

Aged sage - I agree about the trim rings. I was hoping the walnut would get darker as the finish (tung oil) was applied, but it didnt darken how I expected. Oh well. Next time maybe I'll use ebony or some other darker wood.

Thanks again.
Yonks

Matt, if you need more "break-in" work on that rod... I can pick it up on my way to the Fish-In. ;)

John

Beautiful Matt! Just finished my first bark/wood combo also but is just birch bark and bubinga. I like the combo of the wood and the bark. Did you harvest your own bark or pick it up somewhere?

Cant say anything more about the great handle that hasn't already been said. But I'll say VERY nicely done anyway. But what also strikes are the wraps. Just about every custom rod the folks here post pics of are always top notch, but the wraps and finish on this rod look like a factory finish. I mean, there is just nothing better that could be done.

Another great job Yonks!!!!!

Baitwaister - I look forward to seeing that grip you are talking about. I love the look of bubinga.....tough as nails wood though and a pain to turn....at least in my experience. I turned a bowl out of bubinga once....key word being ONCE. :-) I did harvest the bark for my grip. Came from a tree from my childhood home that my dad has slated for cutting down. I have since though purchased some pre-cut pieces for the next rod....

that is a sweet looking rod. how did you stabilize the bark? also, how much more does the handle weight compared to a typical cork handle? 1 more, does the handle feel slippery at all when wet?