Going On A Rant

  Many of you may already know that over the years I have had the privilege of developing several epoxy-based adhesives and coatings that have been used widely in the construction of fishing rods. What you may not know is that for almost 8 years I also developed epoxy adhesives for use in the custom knife-making industry as well. Although rod building and fly tying have always been my first love, there is something very enjoyable about making a knife. I am nowhere at all close to being able to call myself a "bladesmith", but the process of knifemaking isn't all that different from building a fishing rod...and that includes the use of a good structural adhesive that provides a tenacious grab between the tang and the scales on the handle. What drew me into the knifemaking business was the lack of a professional-grade, application-specific adhesive specifically formulated for the knifemaking community. Most everyone making knives was using nothing more than a consumer-grade adhesive purchased at the local big box store.

  When I began to market the BladeBond line of products into the knifemaking community, one of my BIG pushes was the fact that the distributors in the knife-making world now had a boutique adhesive that was available ONLY through small independent retailers. I tried very hard to get the knife-making community to understand how important it was to STOP giving your money to the big box stores who care nothing about you, and purchase EVERYTHING you possibly can from the independent retailers from whom you also purchase your steel, wood scales, bolsters, pins, etc...A fair number listened and understood...most did not. All they cared about was saving a few cents by purchasing a lesser grade adhesive from the local hardware store.

  I will say that I do find that the rod building community is MUCH more receptive to the use and purchase of application specific adhesives for assembling their rods, which is the reason I have chosen to focus exclusively on that market. However, earlier tonight I read a post on a social media group where one of the participants recommended a poster go find cheap rod components from an independent seller on eBay.

  While this is certainly a viable option, and one I have partaken in on occasion...being a small business owner I just want to rant again about how important it is for all of us to support as many of the small suppliers that we can. Whether it's rods, reels, hooks, lines, feathers, or other accessories, it is SO important that we put the money in the hands of those who can benefit from it the most...and that is not the likes of Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, or even Orvis. It is the independently owned local fly shop that can provide a level of service, knowledge, and hands on support that the big box stores simply cannot. I know most of you know this, but it was worth a rant on a Sunday evening anyway.

Hope you all are having a great week,

Andy