I've seen rods at shows built with handles of burl, flor cork, and graphite rings patterned for a great effect. I'm getting good at mixing the burl and regular cork; where do I get a semi-soft graphite ring to use in this fashion?

The graphite rings that you speak of, are actually the graphite arbors/bushings that go inside large reel seats, like size 26, 28 and 30. They are cut to a desired width and then mixed in with the cork and turned.
Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply

Thanks Bob. I thought they might be arbors, but arbors seem so soft and fragile. Any personal experience building handles in this way--mixing burl, regular cork, and graphite arbors? Is the finished product durable enough?

We have actually glued them as you would cork rings and made Tennessee style spinning grips and also butt and fore grips for rods. Placed them on flippin sticks and numerous other rods that see heavy use and they hold up just fine. We're using as entire grip material, as well as inlay work.
Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply