Yeah, my understanding is the the Hook and Hackle blank you describe is a Batson RX7 in a matte finish. They also make it in the Olympic green finish. Very nice blank. Building rods is hardly a money-saving hobby is it? Although that was one of my initial motivators 10 years ago, several hundred rods later I have to laugh at that idea! It is, however, a very rewarding hobby and lots of fun. Cheers!