I read abalone is brittle and subject to cracking. Assuming a dec wrap is properly wrapped and Flex Coated, will it crack once the blank is flexed as in casting and fighting a fish?

It might, if the blank is flexed deeply enough down that low on the rod.

Kevin Knox is the guru on abalone and builds a ton of rods using it. He'd be the one that could give you the definitive answer.

..............

What blank Phil?

Kevin Knox
ANGLER'S ENVY CUSTOM RODS
QUEEN ANNE, MD 21657
#_#_#_#_#
www.anglersenvy.com

I used abalone as underwrap for the buttwrap on 2 Cast Pro Series 12' 3-7. That blank bends deep enough to cause cracking problems. Both blanks are showing cracks in the abalone. I am not blaming the abalone, I am blaming myself for using the wrong product on those rods. (Luckily they were experiments on personal rods, not customers.) I have used abalone on the split grip sections of freshwater rods and not had a problem. Hope this helps.

Guys, thanks for your input. The blank is a 10'6" Lamiglass steelhead blank (the flipping rod for bream in heavy cover posted earlier). Was thinking of a dec wrap above the fore grip, but now winder if I should change the design and make a split grip behind the reel seat, where flex is not much concern. I like the looks of abalone and would like to try it, but really want it to last. It's a personal rod. Have never worked with abalone before. The videos I've looked at make it look easy - which scares me.

I have used abalone a bit. I would try and get the tacky mop that Kevin sells. It is like a thousand times easier to work with than than standard veneer. You only boil it in water not in vinagar which is a lot better on your nose. It also bends easier... I have never had any luck with a heat gun for abalone... Ever.. It just cracks and cracks.. You are right to be sceptical of those videos they are very deceiving.

I'd like to 2nd Kevin's Abalone. To me, his is VERY easy to work with, the finished product comes out looking VERY nice. Plus he has plenty of colors to choose from. Good Luck.

I've built half a dozen rods using Kevin's abalone and boiling it in water before applying. Occasionally I might get a crack when applying but I overwrap the entire abalone section and leave the thread in place overnight and usually find that the crack is negligible when I uncover it. If you do some form of crosswrap and then epoxy I doubt you'll ever notice a crack. The people I've buit the rods for love the look.....