Hey guys, I was lucky to get a chance to go to the flyfishing show in Charlotte, NC this weekend. I've been trying to figure out how I want to "mark" any rods that I may build. I've seen inscriptions that look pretty nice to decales with with plenty of info. to decales with just initials of the maker. If you don't mind, would you fellows give a little about what influnced you to go with your paticular "mark"?

I have just about decided to eliminate my logo and just put my initials on the rods. Kinda the 'less is more' thinking I guess.

Sammy, I write directly on the blank using Windsor and Newton ink and apply it with a steel nib pen. I like to "hand write" on the blank as I feel it gives a more custom flare. Although decals are impressive and I have seen many that look great, I personally like the hand writing. My handwriting is not the best but taking time and going slow seems to work just fine. I compare signing the blank to signing a fine piece of Art, I haven't seen to many handpainted pictures/portraits with a decal of the artists' name, at least none that I have seen. Just my opinion.

Pat's Custom Rods

I go with Pat's thoughts. I tossed around the decal thing and even tried making my own with some good results, but I have found that customers kind of like the writing versus the decal. I write the customer name at 0 degrees (on top when holding rod) then rod information at 135 degrees and my company initials and rod # at 225 degrees. (CCR Rod #098, for example). I used to try to write:
Hand Crafted
for
John Doe
by
Elrod
9ft 4wt. #089

But it becomes very "busy" when you start writing all that and on small diameter blanks becomes very difficult. I like "elegant simplicity". So my focus came to only seeing the customer's name when holding the rod. Of course, I do allow the customer to say what they prefer to have on the rod, but try to explain just as I have here.

I have come up with a "signature wrap" I'll do the regular butt wrap and then I'll spiral the thread up the blank and finish with a trim wrap. I'm considering the initals and serial # thing also.