I am building an ultralight rod on a St. Croix blank, and as I went to put the tip on, I noticed that there were two "threads" of graphite that peeled back when I pushed the tip on. Upon inspection I noticed they were loose for about 1/8" from the tip back. I can cover them with the tip and it is certainly not visible. My question is, will this minor unraveling be cinched by the tip and the tip trim wrap (and its rod finish) or can this splinter back down the rod? Of course it is so small, I didn't even notice it until all other components were on the rod.

well you say the rod is complete less epoxying i assume. well had
you not been watching you may not have even seen this
add a little extra epoxy if the tip fits loose give it an under wrap then epoxy and complete the rod as you would normally do .. remember the blank is graphite and epoxy so you really needent worrie...tight wraps and good luck ...John T Burford aka Tightline Rod's

I think if this will be covered by the tip top tube, and you are careful to add a little trim thread wrap up next to the tip top tube edge, you won't have a problem with it. I've had this on several rods and have not had any problems to date. If the splinter is peeled back beyond the edge of the tip top tube though, I might seek a replacement. Otherwise just glue on the top, make the trim wrap and fish away!

I just had the same thing on an SCIV 8' 3wt. I just made sure the splinters were in the tiptop tube and place a 1/4" thread wrap up to the tip tube. I can not possibly see how this will have ill effects. I wouldn't worry a bit about it.
ELrod