[mark blabaum]

I'm posting a photo of a rod built for a retirement present. The rods grip is made of zebra wood and white oak. The white oak was used for the center section and the reel seat the front and rear of the grip is cross cut zebra wood and the section between the wenge trim rings is running with conventional grain. The case it made of zebra wood with walnut end caps and my first attempt at a six sided case.

 

[Raymond Adams]

Awesome work as usual Mark. Love the web in the grip with widows in the wrap!

 

[Goags]

Now that's a good reason for early retirement! Sweet job all around, including the case!

 

[mrrwally]

Hey, I didn't get a retirement rod like that when I retired!!! Beautiful work,Mark, as always. In terms of your son's new rod bring him up to my cottage and let him try out his new rod up here. You are welcome anytime!

 

[patfatdaddy]

Mark
You do beautiful work. I just got a lathe and I am experimenting with it. I have some really dark wood that I am going to glue up with pecan and oak to see what I get. I have your article from the magazine and it has given me some ideas.
Pat

 

[Putter Parpart]

One word; "WOW"!

That one has to have a ton of time and thought put into it, Mark. Dayammmm that's beautiful!

 

[Doc Labanowski]

IN(bunch of explatives)CREDIBLE. Your work is always sooooooo awesome. Like Ron I sure didnt get anything like that with my DD214. Way to go Dude. Hey any chance of seeing some of this stuff next year at the WCS

 

[mark blabaum]

"Hey any chance of seeing some of this stuff next year at the WCS" - I hope so Doc, it would be great to see you again and the rest of the builders I have gotten to know. I don't know if I have an outfit that would keep up with you and Billy though (lol).

 

[Doc Labanowski]

Hey you dont need to look up to anyone. Your skills are legendary already. Just bet your hiney out here and plan on a couple extra days for some R&D so you can take the trip off on the taxes. If you bring the family we can spend a day at D Land or anywhere else you want to go. Hey you could turn Pinochios nose into a split grip. LOL