I have been asked by my father to build him a rod that he can use his shakespeare model 1810 on. I have tried to research what type of handle it came with but could not find any information. The reel is a cross between a closed face and a spin reel. It has a closed face and you hold the line with your finger and snap back the handle to "open" up the reel for casting. The big problem is the reels foot is not tall, putting the reel very close to the handle.

Any suggestions?

I've only made fly rods so if you have any ideas for a blank also I would appreciat it.

William, the reel is generally cupped in your hand, similar to the way you fish the old Zebco's. It is for light spinning rods, so any of the lighter spinning blanks will work. If you have a light spinning rod, custom or factory, put the reel on it and see how it sits on the rod.

William,
I remember them like Tim does. I only saw one older gentleman using one many years ago, and the best way I can think of for describing the grip setup on that rod was it was similar to the michigan style handle on the Cabela's Chuck and Duck rods. You'd also use the same style ceramic guides you use on you fly rods.

I looked at the Chuck and Duck rods and that handle looks like what I need. Now I need to figure out how to make one. I'm a fly rodder, time to go searching. Thanks for the help. It is much appreciated.

I run one and like a 8 or 10" rear grip and a 10" fore grip. The reel runs under the rod so a center pin style works good. I have one more Fenwick 12' UL left and plan to build it for my 1810 and use it here in Washington.
Steve