Barder Rod Co Richard Walker MK IV carp rod.
We have just completed this unique MK IV, available ex-stock at a very special price for Christmas 2024.
£2,400.00
When we make a batch of blanks, we occasionally have time to fit in an extra one to build up into something a little different. This is such a rod, made alongside our recent batch of eight commissioned MK IVs.
This rod, aesthetically, is our homage to the MK IVs made in the early 1950s. We’ve handled some exceptional examples of these rods, some made by Richard Walker himself, and they’ve given us great pleasure and inspiration.
Classic features include hand made Agate-lined nickel silver butt and tip rings, a subtle trumpet-shaped handle top, a tapered butt cap, red rubber button and claret silk whippings with extra-fine crimson tippings.
The butt and tip are made from flame-tempered, hand-split Tonkin bamboo. The strips were straightened by hand and their nodes were straightened and pressed. This method of preparing split cane was used by Bob Southwell, who supplied blanks to B. James & Son in the early days. Richard Walker’s dimensions were maintained to a tolerance of +/- one thousandth of an inch.
The 25″ handle was hand-turned from the very best Flor grade cork, fitted with our own finely knurled aluminium reel bands, elegantly shaped shoulder collar and a tapered butt cap imprinted with our maker’s mark.
The reinforced, waterproof nickel silver ferrule is reinforced and fitted with a hand-turned cork and walnut stopper.
The intermediate rings are hard chrome plated stainless steel. There is a hook keeper ring secured with a hand-forged nickel silver strap whipped on above the handle. The Indian ink inscription gives the rod model and year of manufacture.
The claret intermediate whippings have a graduated spacing in the classic style. There are two groups of signature whippings either side of the Indian ink inscription.
The rod has a flawless hand-applied marine grade varnish finish.
The rod comes in its tailor made partition bag.
Length: 10′ Test Curve: 1½ lbs. Reel lines: 6-10 lbs. Casting weights up to 1¼ oz.
I haven’t checked our order book, but I reckon we make a rod for stock about once every two or three years, making this is a rare opportunity to buy a new rod, classically finished.