9' 4pc 5w for a new Eagle Scout

[kbproctor]

This is a Batson RX7 blank. The lady that ordered this one wanted a rod for her grandson to commemorate his attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout. She also wanted a grip made with the antler and bark. So, I made a cottonwood bark grip and framed the bark with Moose Antler. The seat is Lignum Vitae and came out a pretty good match for the grip. The butt cap has the Scout emblem on it. In front of the grip, I did a graphic that has the young man's name on it with the Eagle emblem and the Order of the Arrow emblem over a stylized Scout Law. I wanted this to be a classy rod so I wrapped the guides in olive, no CP, tipped with ProWrap Gunsmoke metallic which has a bit of a green cast to it. The look is very subtle but pops nicely in the sun. I also tried something a bit different for alignment marks, tiny trout decals. I think they came out great!
















I waited to post this as it was to be a gift and I didn't want to give anything away. Colton received it on a Thursday and put it to work the next Saturday.

[Uncle Jesse]

Kev, I think you and Colton both just showing off. What a way to break in a new rod and what a rod to celebrate his Eagle Scout rank. Another beautiful job.

[kbproctor]

I can't let Steve post ALL the rods.

[Uncle Jesse]

That pine bark, I'm guessing, looks really good. I did think the bark off a pine tree was good for anything except to put around flower beds and they burn it at the paper mills.

[kbproctor]

That is Cottonwood, Jesse. I like it a lot better than pine. What is cork besides bark?

[Greg F]

Great job, Kevin. I'm sure the photos don't do it justice, personally I like the subdued style that gleams in the sunlight. Very, very nice grip. Cork is Quercus suber bark. To Colton: good work, scout, and awesome fish, dude.

Greg