When wrapping deckhand style what is the suggestion for starting at the bottom of the blank? I've seen a few examples where a small hole is drilled, the cord passed in the center of the blank, and then a double knot tied. Does this weaken the blank?

I've wrapped they like a guide in the past but running the cord over itself and cinching it down.

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J

Yes it weakens the blank, but in such an area that might not be of any concern. Another option might be to notch the edge of the rod blank butt, run the cord in there and knot it on the interior. Then a butt cap or whatever could go over the top. This would certainly eliminate the bulge from wrapping over the starting end of the cord.

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Why not try to fray or unravel the end of the cord and then wrap over it?

What Randy said x 2.

What Randy said is how I do it as well. Most jobs are finished off with a turks head so you don't see the small bump.

After you finish wrapping the blank what do you put over the wrap for protection and to keep the wrap in place?
Smitty