The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

You were right Beresford the tapers are on here, Bob Brookes published some measurements on both the Carp and Avon. So thanks to Bob and TFF I can now see what we have here, don't dare measure my Carp, that might be a dud too ha ha

Bakelite impregnation darkened the blank it was discontinued by sharpes because it was found to be carcinogenic.
You can impregnate with all sorts of stuff even thinned varnish but the colour wont be correct. Getting the colour right is more difficult

You can flame the blank but the colour won't totally match the sharpes process of impregnation.
Most makers will try to match the colour of impregnation by staining the blank.
But in time because its just a colour exposed to sunlight it will lighten considerably. I think that possibly what has happened to your replacement tip section.

MA,
Do you know when Sharpes stopped using the impregnation process? I've only ever seen impregnated rods by them although one or two lighter coloured fully varnished rods have come up at auction. I've never been sure if these were original Aberdeen rods or Middlesex rods.

Mike weaver took over from sharpes .
With a company called Scottie rods.
Mike used a different impregnation technique and material. The end result was good I don't know any dates sorry
But Scottie rods were lighter in colouring but just as good .
I used a similar process when I made rods.
Cheers MA
.

I think sharpes in the early days did make varnished rods. But the impregnated rods were far superior and took over. They made impregnated rods for farlows and orvis as well.

Can anyone recommend a good varnish that will darken the cane?

You can still get that tip impregnated.
Proper job.
If you varnish the tip it wont have the same finish as an impregnated blank .
Impregnation means the blank has the finish inside of the rod. Varnish will sit on the top.

Thanks MA yes I appreciate the difference, but am not really fussed, quite happy with a varnish finish, just need to match up with the lower section.
Out of interest do you know where I could get it impregnated and approx. Cost ? I guess if its not too expensive that might be an option.

I have a Sharpes of Aberdeen Avon rod here that was passed to me (in effect stripped down) for some refurbishment. It doesn't look like it has been impregnated, the cane is quite light. Did Sharpes of Aberdeen use the impregnation technique (are they different to Sharoes Scottie?) or is it likely that this rod originally was varnished? Thanks in anticipation.