This rod is built on a 7' Phenix 700M blank. The customer recently adopted a little girl from China, and wanted a Chinese themed rod to commemorate his new daughter. The Chinese lettering is his daughters name, the tiger is his Chinese zodiac animal, and the BAT in script is his initials. The butt cap is bamboo cutting board with an inlaid pewter yin-yang pendant covered with Permagloss. The reel seat is a Fuji soft touch, and the guides are Fuji SIC titanium. This was a fun build... I'll have it at the FTU rod builders day on the 14th!!!
That is awesome! Phenix blanks are also made in China. And unfortunately for us, their manufacturing equipment and processes are superior at a low cost.