SPLIT CANE ROD RESTORATION

Restoring classic rods from the hay-day of cane rods makes up a very important part of my work, there is nothing more satisfying than to put life back into a sad looking rod where time has clearly taken its toll. Most rods have a personal connection with the owner, or are a recent purchase with the aim of being brought back to life.

Restoring a cane rod is meticulously undertaken, great care is taken when stripping the old finish off to save any of the original labels. I only use the finest materials available and where possible the existing or original guides will be cleaned and re-used, the goal is to make the rod look new, well really with modern materials restored rods are better than new. I sometimes discreetly label restored rods, a tasteful Indian ink inscription to denote the restorer and the year. It is a time consuming job which if done properly is not a quick or cheap process.

Restoring rods gives me an opportunity to handle and feel some classics from the past and often I will receive a real stunning example and make a note of the tapers to aid in further development. Some great examples of rods like the “Arun” or “Peter Tombleson” have passed through my workshop and have been aided developments and ideas in making new rods.

So if you have a cane or bamboo rod that you are attached too and want advice on restoration please contact me, I will offer an honest opinion and cost.