well, i got a wild hair over this long weekend and took to cutting on my castaway rod handle with a razor knife!!! my goal was to make it intl a nice split grip handle, here's what i did:
first, i utilized the corkring joint ont he handle so that i would get a clean cut. so, i figured out what would work best for me. then, i made a cut long ways between the to rings i wantet as the borders. have to be careful not to cut into, or gash, the blank.
then, i removed all the cork and old epoxy using a heavy grit paper. then sanded the now exposed graphite smooth using very fine sand paper.
then i cleaned it thoroughly and epoxied the exposed graphite.
pic:





really, this was a very, very, easy project......and it did noticably reduce the overall weight of the rod!!

very nice.

I've been wanting to do one of mine for a while now E but I'm scared to do it. I saw a demonstration done on one where the guy sanded the ends of the cork where it tapered into the blank. It looked really cool.

Looks like you did a real good job on that, E!

Heh!, Looks like your getting closer to those reel seat repairs

i thought about tapering the ends, but i like the way it looks and feels. it is reminiscent of my cumaras, that i looooove! i fished it yesterday, and i can tell a difference in weight and castability!

also IB, i almost titled the thread 'inspired by IB' 

That would have been funny.    You really did a kick-butt job on your split grip.

Anyway, what's your take on the Cumaras? Aside from their no frills look, which I happen to like, are they money in the sensitivity department?  No local shops carry them so I haven't even held them. I'd like whatever model would be suited to "heavier" drop shot (casting). Got the DS spinning rig covered.

thanks, the epoxy really brought out the nice color of the raw graphite.

i have a 6'6" MH x-fast cumara that feels like a pool cue....till you fish with it. it is incredibly sensitive and strong; infact, it's so sensitive that i use it for a spinner bait. i can feel every turn of the blade. and it has the back bone to bring in a mule.

also, i have a 7'2" M fast tip that i use for dropshot, wakey rigs, and shakey heads. works beautifully.

imo, the cumaras are a lot of stick for the $.

Thanks! Does that include feeling willow blades?  You've got the bait monkey rattling his cage. Maybe next tax season.

dude, i'm using a hopped up daiwa alphas f-type spooled with 12lb cxx and throwing mostly 1/8 ounce stanley small fry spinnerbaits(single willow blade) and feel every turn! great stuff

You've did it now. The monkey done broke the pad lock on his cage.    An Alpha and Cumara has got to be a sweet setup.

lol, buy your first alphas and you'll really be in trouble.....i have 3 now  and a few other extravegant toys.....