Not mentioned here to date is how to clean the cork handle on these rods, and the handles will get dirty over time, (sweat, fish slime, mud, etc.). Cork is used because of it's natural softness and it kind of sticks to your hand (is not slippery) and is waterproof. It a VERY bad idea to treat it with anything (preservatives, waxes, etc.). TO CLEAN use warm water, hand or dish soap and a soft cloth, rinse well and you are done.

My Yamame rod handle looks like it has gone through the ringer. I will not be surprised when large parts of cork finally peel and fall off. Then I might contemplate repair and maybe cleaning so new cork might have a chance to stick.
Top Iwana, bottom Yamame.

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テンカラのイモリ
Tenkara Mushroom

I used to use fine textured wool pads which worked with soap and water, but recently I found out about Mr. Clean Magic Eraser which works a little better with less mess.

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Loften
テンカラの子 Tenkara No Ko

I like to leave my grips alone and let them show their use. It gives each rod character. It's not the years, its the milage. My rods show their miles well.

John

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Tenkara Guides LLC

Received a nice, I would say gift from the team @ Tenkara USA. Not my intention to put down the handles, just figured this was how all the rod handles were. One of these days i'll make it to a store that sells Tenkara USA merchandise. There's alot of items of interest to me. Daniel San was nice enough to send my wife and me replacement handles for our rods. So I thought I should show them. They are very nice quality.



Thanks for the excellent service, above and beyond anything customer wise I've ever experienced.
Jeremy

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テンカラのイモリ
Tenkara Mushroom

NEVER clean the cork on a rod that will take the mojo off a rod

Jeremy, Daniel takes care of his customer's can't beat that. That pic don't do Jeremy's old cork justice I saw it in person it was almost black in March. I think it comes from owning 1 rod there are outher things that come from owning 1 Tenkara rod Jeremy is very good with that Yamame he can fish big or small water just the same. I think that's part of what Tenkara is about keeping things simple. Jeremy does that well he owns one rod and makes almost all the rest of what he uses. I bet those first poor Tenkara fishermen didn't buy a lot of what they needed I bet they made it. Hats off to you Jermey a true Tenkara fishermen.

Tom

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Wilderness Tarpon 120
and a Tenkara USA Amago
Good Combo!!!

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テンカラのイモリ
Tenkara Mushroom