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F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 10:49 am
by J.T
I just got my hands on one of these rods (Pictures below), looks to be in good condition but I can't seem to find any info about it at all, it is a three part rod but the strange thing is the only other one I have managed to find online seems to be a two part rod.
Any info would be great guys, cheers. :hat:
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 11:33 am
by Nobby
Made in Walton on Thames, their entire range seems to have been marketed under the 'Craftsman' trade name.
They also made, as you might imagine, Thames style match rods.
The blue label is from the later rods, I believe......
http://www.inthenetuk.com/pages/Vintage ... lliams.asp
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 11:38 am
by J.T
Cheers Nobby. :thumb:
It has one thing which I think is strange (although may turn out to be perfectly normal) in that all the rings are the same size, the butt ring isn’t any larger than the next one. :think:
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:31 pm
by Nobby
That seems a bit unusual....not lined then?
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:38 pm
by J.T
No, its almost like the first ring is missing but I cant see any sign of there having been one there in the first place. :think:
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 8:16 pm
by J.T
I used this rod on our last visit to the free stretch of the Itchen and can report it is a top notch rod.
A little long for that river at 12 foot if I'm honest but it has a lovley soft forgiving action which I like. :thumb:
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 8:18 pm
by Mark
It's looks a nice rod JT.
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:36 am
by Ljm183
I have been offered a Craftsman , it,s three piece, all sections the same length, whole cane butt and mid section and split cane tip,
my ? is it worth having if it,s in good condition and what would you pay
Lee
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:49 am
by J.T
Well I like the one I have BUT there is one thing that annoys me about it, the handle is really short which can make holding it for any length of time a bit of a pain as balance is a bit off.
The Dorset I have which is also by the same maker also has a short handle but because it is a foot shorter (at 11ft) than my Craftsman (at 12ft) the balance is much better.
Is there anyway you could try before you buy?
Re: F.T Williams "The Craftsman"
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:55 am
by Ljm183
J.T wrote:
Is there anyway you could try before you buy?
Yes i,m going to have a look tomorrow, i have been told it,s in good condition but will need a ring or two
