Looking for natural cork rings for a couple rods I'm making. Seems like all the places I've found the cork has been bleached to that light color were used to seeing on rod handles all the time. Has anyone ever used NATURAL cork rings that has not been bleached, I understand the cork is much darker. Anyone ever come across such a thing or know someone who sells them? Thanks in advance...

Ralph

Dear Ralph: The bleaching of "new" cork, as you call it is bleached for a reason. Most cork rings when they come from the importer are transported in plastic containers or bags. These bags cause moisture to be trapped in them and eventually the cork will absorb it. It is not long till a fungus sets up because harvested cork is a natural product if not preserved it will eventually rot. I have seen this bleaching of rings, and personally do not mind it. Older rings may have picked up a lot of ambient dirt and soiling, This eventually looks like a fine patina. Good cork remains good cork whatever the age. Some bamboo builders I know after they've gone to their final sanding, will take a few drops of baby oil on them to get this patina going. Adrop or two is enuf. A slick cork is not what you want. I am more concerned about the radial grain and pits than I am about the bleaching. Good Luck in your quest for the best cork

just my .02 worth keep in mind after you work the cork the white pickle color you see on the od will turn to a awesome tan ... if you can just take 1 ring and snap it in half and then you will see what you will end up with .... Tight wraps John T Burford aka: Tightline Rod's