Just giving an update..

Wow.. Thats a beautiful blank now that the top half is sanded.. Its amazing what a little bit of care can do to something

As for painted trim wraps, I totally agree with Norman to reproduce them with thread. Unless you are a painting maestro, thread trim wraps will be much crisper than the painted variety and will be performed the way it should have been done in the first place.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I am definatly going to use thread.. You guys are right, it would just simply look better.. Next task, after finish sanding, is going to be the cork.. I sure hope i can bring it back to life.. Other then deep pitting... There really is only 1 gouge, im just afraid useing the filler js going to be blatantly obvious, and look like crap..

Heres a question.. How would u40 cork sealer work to stop the degeneration? I might leave the cork beat.. Just smooth it out and give it a coat.. Keep a little of pappy with it..

Clean the cork with some type of detergent using a scouring pad or brush. When dry fill the pits with a filler. I like Elmer’s exterior wood filler in the golden oak color. It sands very well when dry, and does not stain the cork around it. Can also use pit paste, it also sands well with no staining. I have also used cork dust mixed with Titebond exterior wood glue or epoxy to make a paste. It works very well, but requires a little more sanding because it does cause a little staining of the cork. After the filler is dry or set, sand the handle smooth with various grits of sand paper, After sanding I like to give it a coat of the U40 cork sealer. It does help to protect the cork, and filler, and makes the cork easier to clean later. Others use hardening finishing oils like Tru Oil to coat their cork, I have not tried them so cannot comment on them. Hope this helps.
Norm