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3. model that forms basis of something: an example that serves as a pattern or model for something, especially one that forms the basis of a methodology or theory.
Think also of a "paradigm" as a change from one way of thinking to another.
Sort of transformation or metamorphosis. It doesn't just happen, but rather it is driven by agents of change.
When significant change happens -
- usually from one fundamental view to another fundamentally different view.
Acknowledgement
- Inspired by great beginnings. . . the vast majority of custom Split-Bamboo fly rods constructed today rely conclusively upon borrowed "patterns" found within the lineage of classic rod works. A redux of modified "true and typical examples" evolve from standardized fabrication methods pioneered in part by a well-known and respected conglomerate of individual and production-level rodsmiths. The vintage Masters of the Craft to name; Paul H. Young, Everett Garrison, Lyle Dickerson, Goodwin Granger, Bill Phillipson, Hiram Leonard, E and J Payne and many others in this genre.
- In retrospect, those above were not just distinguished craftsmen - but true artisans committed in part to a legendary vision. Instrumental as they were to the significance of Bamboo and the many facets of custom rod making, they deserve commendable recognition for advocating that Tonkin Bamboo (Arundinaria amambilis) - is clearly, by far the single best natural substance available to humankind for making superior fishing rods.
- An art form was created as these classic rod makers toiled with crude and primitive tools at their disposal while working diligently to hone and ply their wares. Their lasting impressions and direct influence set the foundation of standards to inspire and guide the new generation of custom Bamboo rod makers in keeping the legacy of the craft alive. A declaration of gratitude is offered in their honor.
" Contemporary Split-Bamboo Fishing Rods
from the Origins of Angling Tradition - Handcrafted
by Today's Standards for the Modern Angler "
The Paradigm
In the cycle of life. . . . times change and finesse in a "paradigm" of differentiating modes.
So it does in keeping with fine tradition and the inevitable linear progression of unending developments,
refinements and new dimensions all proportionately essential to the present day virtues of rod crafting.
What's behind the meaning of The Paradigm? Well, from my humble perspective - the short answer is that it "fits" perfectly here based upon truth found in the universal definition of the word and its general interpretation. Simply put, the moniker and its usage here is in fact nothing more than an unpretentious "slogan" of sorts - in the very basic sense and context. It should not to be mistaken with the highly complex scientific phraseology known as "The Paradigm Shift". . . for those familiar. "The Paradigm" slogan, concept and namesake is relevant -only- to the creative purpose of this Website and makes no reference to Science or scientific reasoning in the least. Lastly, the "slogan" doesn't infer in any way to be some type of revolutionary breakthrough to rod making nor the angling world for that matter. Its nomenclature maintains a simple but clarified meaning relative to the way(s) in which I perceive custom Bamboo rod crafting today and really nothing more than that.
It's important to emphasize that I take a great deal of pride in maintaining a close following to the basic guidelines and methods of standardized Split-Bamboo construction and adhere to those principles by using a variety of available tried and true published rod taper "patterns" in all of my builds. All is accomplished by keeping the process relatively simple as humanly possible from the start while trying not to delve too deeply into the technical idiosyncracies of engineering or applied physics which can be easy to get caught-up in, as most of the guesswork has already been addressed by many of those mentioned above.
Something I've come to realize over the course of time is a simple understanding that no two Split-Bamboo fly rods made from the very same taper pattern are rarely ever 100% the same, and many bamboo rod makers will agree to this statement. To the human eye, both rods side-by-side may appear to look exactly alike and measure near perfect in actual dimensions from tip to bottom to the contrary however, one will always be ever-so-slightly different from the other somewhat characteristically - but by very little (if at all) from a performance standpoint. For example, one of the rods may flex a bit more than the other or quite possibly it could actually seem to be stiffer ( faster) in a specific section, or even feel a bit lighter than the other for that matter. With simple explanation, the longitudal power fiber composition which travels the entire length of a custom bamboo fly rod differentiates in nature within every culm of Tonkin Bamboo that is used in making a custom fly rod. This translates to why each and every handcrafted fly rod may possess certain variables that could be somewhat noticeable to one individual, but yet so slight could go undetected by another, at the very least. As above, this too is nothing to be concerned about in the overall scheme of things as these subtleties are in my opinion what give a fine, Split-Bamboo fly rod it's unique character and personality compared to anything else.
- An avid fly fisherman, fly-tier and angler-in-general for twenty-five years, I've spent the better part of the last decade researching, collecting, and fishing split-cane fly rods. After amassing a small trove of used and vintage bamboo treasures in various models and types I acquired an interest to "spruce-up" and bring back to life some of the older, distressed rods in need of attention. During the process, I quickly realized that vintage collectable Split-Bamboo rods were not only aesthetically appealing, but also structurally sound tools of the trade that can far outlast their makers.
- The transition from synthetic (graphite/carbon fiber composite) fly rods to a full-fledged Split-Bamboo convert left me pondering the question at the time, "What of all these high-end, brand name graphite rods now - will they be relegated to the basement confines as forgotten dust collectors?" A sudden inclination overtook me to sell or trade them away as they had become objectively regarded as underprivileged "substitutes" to the natural look, feel and tradition of Split-Bamboo. Reminded in fact that these "synthetic predecessors" had performed well enough for me through the early years, they would again at some point continue to serve a relative purpose when called upon. Subjectively, I've spared a number of "back-up" graphite fly rods that I'm fond of out of sheer necessity, to be excessive. After all, I invested a significant amount of money in them early on.
- Given an angling opportunity; whether fishing small streams, medium to large rivers or shore wading lakes and still waters -- the singular, first choice fishing rod for me is always Split-Bamboo. That said, the stockpile of graphite fly rods I've chosen to keep have assumed an otherwise subservient role for "situational" angling adventures. Often used in a pontoon or drift boat or when weather can be a factor, ie; during the frigid winter months and brisk early spring climate fishing conditions that exist on rivers and streams of Colorado, where ice-clogged snake guides can be menacing to the fly caster.
Fortunately, the local waters of our beautiful and spectacular "Centennial State" offer year-round, four season angling and for this reason I often refer to the Split-Bamboo as my "three-season fly rod". But that doesn't mean that Split-Bamboo can't handle extreme weather conditions. Bamboo is super-resilient and proven durable enough to perform as well or better than any synthetic fishing rod material if subjected to nature's bitter elements or demanding angling conditions. Out of personal preference I choose to let the graphite rods bear the secondary load during that harsh 'fourth season' and give the finer Split-Bamboo a little time off.
- Split-Bamboo undoubtedly became a rapid fascination and affliction for me.Upon achieving a proficient level of comfort in the finer aspects and nuances of repairing and restoring older Split-Bamboo rods, I gradually acquired the knowledge along with the collection of tools required to make them from scratch. The first being a modified version of a classic vintage taper; an 8' foot 2/2 (wet & dry tip) semi-parabolic action, Paul H Young, "Para-15" model fly rod, in December 2003.
- As a hobbyist, a subsequent variety of Split-Bamboo fly and spinning rods soon found their way into the hands of family members and fishing companions followed by occasional word-of-mouth rod orders from good folks whom I now proudly refer to as "customers". In early 2008, I took the challenge to convert a simple hobby and avocation to an upstart custom rod making/part-time occupation and proudly embrace the opportunity as I thoroughly enjoy making Split-Bamboo fishing rods.
- Fly fishing is a way of life. I like to call it "Stream Therapy." A sport of true recreational passion and the perfect way to decompress from the rigors of city life for many of us, but rod crafting certainly ranks right up there for me personally as a fitting sub-category in terms of relaxation and fortunately, each compliments the other serving a relative purpose within themselves. Those who bring a fish to net with their own hand-tied fly patterns will happily concur.
- Bamboo fly rods have witnessed an intriguing revival of prominence and interest to the fly fishing community in the recent quarter century or more, both vintage and contemporary - for many obvious reasons. From the expression of long-lasting function, style, sophistication and the sweet, fluid way they gracefully cast a fly line - to a list that is simply much too long to mention, nothing. . . absolutely nothing compares to the fascinating allure of a Split-Bamboo fishing rod!
Thank you for stopping by. "Best Fishes and Tight Lines"
Phil Kosmas ~ Rodmaker
Arvada, CO USA
Paradigm Custom Rod Design
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philosophia
