Does a 12" handle length measured from the end of the blank to the back of the reel seat on a 7'4" rod sound normal/reasonable? I have a 7'4" blank and I am finding that a 12" handle length measured from the end of the blank to the back of the reel seat is about where I would like the reel seat to be based on the rods intended purpose/use and the reel's weight in order to help balance the rod out and keep the tip from being tip heavy. 

 

Are there some general rules or guide lines that should be taken into account for handle lengths based on blank length? Or is handle length purely preference and you can make them whatever length you want?

A good way to locate the seat is to use the same distance to the reel stem as another rod you like.  Longer is better for balance but if it gets too long it can catch on clothing at the elbow when going between tip up and down.  If a cold/wet weather rod you might go shorter than you would on a rod you know will not be used with rain gear or other bulky clothing.  

 

I build for ergonomics first, don't even consider balance.  I use the smallest guides possible for the application to keep the tip light and responsive.

 

People building for kayak fishing often build with shorter distances between the reel and the butt.

 

Most people ask the question based on the seat when they should be asking it based on the stem of the reel.  Not all reel seats are the same for reel stem to the end of the seat dimension.