Can this be done? And, if yes, am I missing anything that you feel would make it last longer and be more durable?

Thanks ahead of time, as always!

Here is my idea:

I ordered a standard spinning cork butt grip that is stepped-down on either end. One to be inserted and accept a reel seat and on the other end a rubber fighting butt. I was thinking that it looks quite a bit better with an “egg” shaped tapered cork-rubber fighting butt instead. As I was laying out everything and planning on cutting off the “stepped down” end of cork to better mate it up to the face of the cork on the fighting butt, it occurred to me that I may be able to use this smaller stub/smaller diameter cork to add some artistic flair.

Will this work? Can I wrap this smaller portion that is around a half-inch long with thread as an accent to the wraps on the rod? Could I wrap copper wire around the cork circumference and coat it with flex coat, as an ordinary wrap would be sealed? What problems would I encounter with wrapping cork and sealing with an epoxy?

Follow this link to see what I am proposing, because it isn’t that easy to describe.

[my.core.com]

Thanks,
Domenic Federico

Domenic, I see absolutely no reason not to do this. It is Your rod to build as You choose. That's what custom rodbuilding is all about. My fishing rod to suit Me. Your's to suit you. Merry christmas. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

I think it will look cool , and you shouldn't have any ill effects as long as you seal the thread and the copper good. The copper will tarnish or oxidize if it is exposed to the elements too long. John

Guys-
I ended up wrapping the "gap" between the cork fighting butt and the end of the butt cork grip with a metallic red/burgandy wire that I use for flytying. Got the wire nice and tight (looks great!). As an accent, I got some of my daughters beads from a necklace artzy/craftzy project she had and strung together an alternative pattern of red-anodized black X2-pink-anodized black X2-red...you get the idea... and looped it in the middle and around the top of the gap that has the underwire wrap. It looks great and my "bubba" thinks I am the best Dad ever. heheheh (mission accomplished). I figured the pink/red/black of the reel seat and the guide feet will go great with the cork color, black rubber bottomed cork fighting butt and the grey of the Rainshadow blank.

I appreciate you feedback on "going for it" it came out nice. I just have to seal it well and I am keeping my fingers crossed!

I would like you ideas on how I should do a decorative thread wrap with the pink,red,black thread colors from the hook keeper about halfway up to the first guide. And if you have some great ideas/formulas on how to thread wrap the guide feet with those colors as well.

I appreciate all of your help and input. I value it greatly!

Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Domenic Federico