THE KEULING METHOD
Keuling fly rods are made "Old School". Plain and simple. The ways of the rodsmith were handed down over three generations of family. No corporation "how to do" manual. The son learned from the father and the grandfather. How they made them is how the son made them. The "method" was handed down by word and practice; not by book.
"Old School" for the Keulings always meant the way fly rods were built back in the day when bamboo was the only quality material available to make fly rod blanks. It was a slow and complicated process. Mistakes were costly so the good rod builders took their time. They did not cut corners. The time it took to complete a fly rod was measured in months, not days. Attention to details and an unwavering commitment to perfection. That is what "Old School" means to the Keulings.
Today the materials are different, and certainly, technology has boosted the performance of the modern day fly rod. One thing, however, has not changed.
To extract the most out of modern-day rod blanks and components still requires craftsmanship. This is what the "Keuling method" is about.
All fly rod building starts with understanding the blank. This is so, regardless of the material. Bamboo, fiberglass, graphite, and carbon fiber composites. It's always about first understanding the blank. Understand its strengths, and design characteristics and you are on the way to building an elite fly rod. Keuling fly rods are built with premium rod blanks. The blanks' design specifications are matched with specific fishing conditions, intended use, and skill of the user. Blanks are individually tested to ensure they meet the E.L.Keuling Rod Company stated design specifications. Read more about how Keuling rod blanks are made in the " Keuling Fly Rod" web page.
The components for each Keuling rod are assembled in a "mock-up" run to be sure, for example, the correct guide spacing requirements are met, cork grips and reel seat match the design specs. Cork grips for each rod are hand finished from select "Ultra flor" grade cork on our in-shop lathe, each grip has exact tapered boring to ensure a proper fit on the blank without the use of excessive glue or tape. Small details matter. From the hand wrapping of each guide to the final polishing of the nickel silver reel seat and rod blank. The Keuling method takes time.
Each Keuling fly rod is then matched with its proper size rod bag and tube. Placed in a plastic bag along with care instructions, warranty registration card. Ready for shipment to the next discerning fly angler.
THE KEULING METHOD: COMBINING OLD SCHOOL CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH MODERN MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS.
