As mentioned before, my rods are entirely manufactured. It takes
40 to 60 hours to build a split cane rod, depending on the model and
custom finishes.
The raw Tonkin cane is split, then straightened, planed
and glued, all done by hand.
The guide wraps and the
lacquer finish are also done by hand. I use natural silk thread in
different colors which becomes slightly translucent when applying
the lacquer. Every guide wrap is covered with at least 7 layers of
lacquer.
I have started to machine my own metal ferrules.
I had the enormous luck to get in touch with Robert Braimbaut, a jeweler
located in the French city of Sedan, whom I have met through an advertisement
in 'Plaisirs de la Pêche'. About 40 years ago, he has converted
the ferrules of his Pezon & Michel cane rods to a system
devised by himself.
This system consists of snapping together the two parts
of the ferrule using a piston, not unlike the one found on old-day
bayonets. The ferrules will not slip nor twist. The metal used to
manufacture these ferrules is called maillefort, the very same used
by Pezon & Michel, the noted French rodmakers. I also
use conventional metal ferrule systems made of nickel silver.
One very important aspect of my work is the personal touches a customer
wishes to see on or in his rod, i.e: the color of the thread wraps,
the wood spacer used in the reel
seat among others. I can also add custom modifications to the overall
length of the rod or the appropriate action.