UofMontanaAlum,
Thanks for the compliment. The thread is actually much lighter than the blank. However, it darkens under the epoxy. This is the same technique that is used to build Winston rods.
I purchased the blank and other materials from Feathercraft Fly Fishing. You can also shop at REC (
www.rec.com). They produce top quality reel seats, guides, grips, etc. They also sale custom rod tubes.
Grousegunner