I have three blanks that have a tag on them that say orvis but i have never seen this blank it is real light weight and has raised ferrels made of carbon. Can any one tell me when they think orvis made this blank or if it is a orvis at all?

It sounds like an Orvis. They continued using the sleeve-over type ferrule well into the 1990's.

By today's standards you'll likely find to be a little on the heavy side but they generally cast pretty well.

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If they are fly blanks and you measure the length, test them with the CCS, and compare your results to what's in the database, that might help you figure out which models you have. I have tested and entered quite a few blanks like you describe that were Orvis Superfine series. In any case, even if you can't figure out what they are exactly, you'll at least have a good idea what they'll be good for once you know the CCS numbers. If you might be interested in selling or trading those blanks, please e-mail me off the board (click on my name for e-mail address).

If it has a raised spiral over the entire blank, with a white "Orvis" decal already on the blank, it's a Superfine. The spiral look is because they are unsanded, and is how you can tell the original blanks from the newer "improved" versions. Orvis sold those up until 3 years ago when they made sweeping changes to their line of rods. Those old ones were fantastic blanks, and many were in continuous production for several decades.

The first rod I ever made was a Superfine- the Far-n-Fine 5 wt. That tough little blank still lays out a beautiful line after 20 years of frequent use.

After you sell one to Steve, I have dibs on the rest...