Hey guys,
The other day I decided I was going to strip down an old Fenwick rod and rebuild it with new parts. This morning I made the decision to strip down my Fenwick Elite Tech rod($220 ouch!) and replace the handle with a split reel seat and split grip. What a hastle that was. Anyways, I was originally deciding I would do a tiger wrap to cover up the blank where the cork handle was but I don't think it would match the overall look of the rod too well. So now I've decided to cover the section up with rattlesnake skin(I figured I'd give this a try). I watched the mudhole instructional video and the guy uses CP to attach the skin to the blank. Unfortunately I don't have any. Is there anything else I can use to attach the skin or do I have to just bite the bullet and order some CP ? I was thinking about just using epoxy because it seems thick and sticky enough to keep the skin flush with the blank. Any advice or suggestions?

Nathaniel, If you use epoxy on the snake skin, it will turn it dark and blotchy. The CP protects the skin from the epoxy. I have only heard of attaching the skin with CP and the skin requires 2-3 coats over the skin to protect it from having the epoxy soak in especially at the edges of the skin.

Nanthaniel,
Pat Vinzant is the best on snake skin applications and he uses the Color Lock 2 U -40 as I do with my skin and feather work. We have tried most all the other brands and this works best for us. It won't darken the skin and it lets you move it to position you desire very easily..
After letting it dry real good apply a second application to entire skin and let dry real good. Apply a coat of finish (your choice) and let dry, I let mine dry overnight before applying second coat. Usually 2 coats work but sometimes may require 3 depending on the skin your have..
Fuzz Morgan

I agree with Fuzz. If you have ever seen his amazing feather artistry (the stuff that he had in the Lamiglass booth was amazing!! Time for a DVD or at least a tutorial, Fuzz) or Pat's skin work which can't even be desscribed, you would take their recommendations as gospel.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

You're not going to like the results of not using CP and lots of it. It'll turn dark, blotchy and just ugly. B
Doing something the right way is always better than not and hating the outcome.

Okay, thanks a lot guys. Is CP one of those things only available online or would I be able to find it at a local craft/fabric store?

Nevermind. I did a little research online and it turns out there's a rod craft place about 45 min from my house that sells it. Lucky me :)