So not being completely happy with the available cork handles I have decided I will build some of them myself.

 

I ordered the cork jigs from Mudhole and started playing.

 

 

 

 

Now since I am the uber nerd/ puzzle geek, I thought "I bet I could put initials in cork"

 

Since I'm building a rod for my sister Tracie, A "T" should be easy enough.

 

I put together a mandrel out of a 1/4" x 6" bolt, fender washers and 1/4 20 wing nut so I could turn the rings down a little to get a clear image of the letter.

 

 

 

And here is my first attempt at a custom initial cork grip.

 

 

What do you guys think?

 

Nicole loves it and wants an "N" in her next rod.  I have figured out how to do it but it will probably take 6 hours just for the grip.  She will have one eventually.

I think it will look great when you're finished! When using a combination of regular cork and rubberized cork, how do you smooth them out? It seems like the rubberized cork would be much more difficult to sand.

Using a sanding block helps a lot shaping dissimilar materials. 

That's sweet I really want to get into doing my own cork handles as well. Probably gonna be my next rod building investment and adventure.

Finally got a few that I like ready to go.