Ferrules ...
From 1980 to the present we have built fly rod blanks and finished fly rods using spigot ferrules. Most Steffen Bros. blanks are built in one piece on mandrels up to ten feet long. Blanks are then cut into 2 pieces or 3 or 4 or 5 pieces and then ferruled with "spigot" ferrules.
We make our spigot ferrules with the same S-glass or graphite with which we make the blanks. The ferrules are made with the same taper as the blank for a perfect fit. The ferrules are hollow, very light, and flexible, matching the flex of the rod. This enables us to make multi-piece rods with actions just like our two piece rods. Internal spigot ferrules also eliminate the unsightly "bump" present in some rods and allow for a smooth uninterrupted taper from tip to butt.
We use only spigot ferrules. When assembled spigot ferrules have a gap of 1/8" to 1/4" between rod sections. This prevents the sections from rubbing against each other and allows for future wear. Spigot ferrules do not need wax, but a light coat of hard wax can be used. Wax should be removed after use to prevent collection of dirt of sand.
