I am a novice rod builder who is appreciative of any advice and guidance. I am trying to replace a grip on a Sage Z-axis fly rod. I would like to keep the reel seat. There is a hook keeper and winding check in place.

Thank you!

If there is not a guide in front of the grip on the section, it is pretty straight forward.

You will need to remove the winding check and hook keeper. Then take the cork grip apart by shaving it away with a blade or dremel tool. You do not need to get the area where the grip resides completely smooth, but also not extremely lumpy. Then prepare the replacement grip by reaming to slide over the area as you do for a new blank.

I have replaced grips on fly rods without removing WC's.
I use the Flexcoat cork lathe.
I mount the butt section of, I hope a 4pc rod, in the lathe. I have a unique way to attach the male ferrule of the 4pc rod in the chuck.
Turn the grip down to the level of the top of the winding check without marring it. You should try to get the grip the same diameter along the whole length. Apply epoxy to the grip and install cork rings or premade grip over the WC. You should be able to force the grip/rings over the hookkeeper.
Herb

I have replaced grips on fly rods without removing WC's.
I use the Flexcoat cork lathe.
I mount the butt section of, I hope a 4pc rod, in the lathe. I have a unique way to attach the male ferrule of the 4pc rod in the chuck.
Turn the grip down to the level of the top of the winding check without marring it. You should try to get the grip the same diameter along the whole length. Apply epoxy to the grip and install cork rings or premade grip over the WC. You should be able to force the grip/rings over the hookkeeper.
Herb

When removing the cork I Never use a knife or grinding tool or sandpaper. Take a regular pair of pliers and grab/pinch the cork then pull or twist it. The cork will fall off the blank with no possible damage to that Sage blank !!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/04/2016 09:17PM by Tom Wewerka.

With the quality of cork used on even high-end rods today your problem is certain to become more common. I see my personal fly rods as fishing tools, not objets d'art, and I have covered some cork grips with heat-shrink flocked tubing. They work fine.

Phil,
Sorry for the delay in responding. Thank you very much for the suggestions.

Herb & Tom-
Many thanks for the suggestions.