In this episode of Mastering Rod Building, host Bill Falconer sits down with renowned craftsman Mark Blaum for an in-depth exploration of artistry, innovation, and tradition in custom rod building. Broadcasting from the heart of the rod building community, Bill and Mark trace Mark’s evolution from a passionate woodworker and pen turner to a world-class creator of segmented wood handles—pieces that have captivated and inspired builders across the country.

Listeners will discover the story behind Mark’s signature techniques, including the origins of his segmented turning, the challenges of sourcing and preparing unique woods, and the intricate process of assembling hundreds of pieces into a single, flawless grip. The conversation delves into the practicalities of tool selection, gluing, cutting, and finishing, as well as the importance of safety and continuous learning in the workshop.

Throughout the episode, Mark and Bill reflect on the value of mentorship, the generosity of the rod building community, and the joy of sharing knowledge with newcomers and veterans alike. Mark shares insights from decades of experience, offers resources for those eager to learn more, and highlights the friendships and collaborations that have shaped his journey.

Packed with technical wisdom, personal stories, and a celebration of craftsmanship, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rod building, woodworking, or the creative process. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical advice, or a deeper connection to the community, you’ll find it in this engaging, information-rich conversation with one of the craft’s true masters.

For Mastering Rod Building, in every episode's show notes, both going forward and updating all previous shows, we need this:

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

• Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]
• American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]
• Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]
• Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]
• Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]
• Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]