Hi, not a rod builder but I had a Z-Axis handle that was really annoying me as it had too many pits in the cork and just wasn't as comfortable in the hand as it should be. Steven Parkes (Atomsix) had kindly offered to sort it for me when he builds me a new rod, but as that investment is a few weeks away (wish I was made of money) and I am the worlds least patient person I decided to have a go myself. Bought some 'Pit Paste' from Hopkins & Holloway, it arrived today, I have filled and sanded the handle and it looks and feels as good as new. I am delighted! Can't vouch for the stuffs longevity yet, but for ease of use and finished appearance I am most impressed.

No doubt rod builders have their own way of doing this, but for an amateur this stuff is excellent. Cost was £7.62 delivered and I could probably do another 100 handles with the amount in the pot!

What you should have done was send the rubbish back to Mr Sage !

A good cork handle from Ray Baker at Siesta costs around £10 Trade made of the very best stuff !

What you actually have is a classic example of the sheer contempt Mr Sage holds you in ! Daft enought to pay £600 ish for an item with a C minus - £1.75 Filled Trade Cork Handle Fitted !

( Mind you Hardy's in the old days never fitted better than a B Grade and I never fitted worse than an A ) but then and again I actually do go flyfishing !

And where does the flyfisherman actually come into contact with a flyrod - you guessed right - at the handle and it is a whole lot more important than the bean counters doing the specifying believe !

Take care

Steve P

Interesting thread! Is there a rod builder/someone who can replace rod handles? I have a rod which I love the action of but don't like the handle on if that makes any sense?? regards ZT

Daft enough to pay a substantial amount, but never buy these rods new (often new unused/little used) so will plead guilty only to being 'daftish' Because I am not the original owner I don't think I can 'send the rubbish' back to Mr. Sage - and I really like some of their blanks.

I wholeheartedly agree that the handle is incredibly important but sadly many manufacturers don't seem to agree. A well finished handle that fits my hand properly makes an enormous difference to my enjoyment of a days fishing as well as ensuring that I don't suffer any of the strains I have with poorly shaped/sized ones.

I have recently taken delivery of the rod from Steve Parkes ('Atomsix' on this forum) that I mentioned in my first post. He has used beautiful cork for the handle and has made it to fit my hand perfectly (the blank is rather good too!) the rod is incredibly pleasant to use as a result.

'Zimtrout', Steve can replace or modify handles as I'm sure can other rod builders. Well worth doing IMHO.