Leiderman Rods

Aaand back to the rod shop… a few builds to post from the last few weeks starting off w this little 7wt bomber.

Had to wait for a part to arrive but we are set to reassemble… I typically work under a stereo microscope… just find over longer periods it affects my eyes less than a loupe… took some getting used to but hard to go back now… there are a ton of very specific (and $$$) lubricants used in oiling a watch… all have their place based on wear and friction… in the end everything went together well and is running perfectly. A high amplitude and flat rate means you’ve done a good job. The movement in this watch is simple and high quality. No reason it won’t run for a very long time.

A quick but satisfying job is to clean up the case components using an ultrasonic cleaner… esp web there’s a solid layer of grime to remove. The case will start in a concentrated cleaning solution to knock the bulk of the dirt off then get a dish soap and water bath to rinse any remaining residue. In the end, it’s looking much better.

These watches have a parkerized finish over the steel which really protects them from many of the mild scratches that would affect a typical stainless steel watch case.

Had the pleasure of handing this off today… I love building on these dark colored Kabuto blanks with golden accents. The Allcock reel with its leaded and brass finishes sets it off nicely and hopefully the pair will hit the water when warmer weather prevails

A busy start to the school year and some new endeavors I’ll discuss in the future have kept me out of the shop. But finally a little bit of a different Steffen off the bench… I wanted to check out the graphite Steffen blanks and I think this 9’ 6wt 4pc is the kind of rod where graphite really shines. Pleasant all-day capable moderate-fast graphite… just right for throwing the streamers and heavy nymph rigs a rod like this will see duty doing. Dark blue blank w navy wraps and preserved grey accents. If it looks good let me know and it can be yours right away for some late fall fishing.