This was actually my first hand-turned grip. Paying attention to details always pays off. Being my absolute first attempt at turning cork, when I was gluing the cork rings I actually started with the WORST of the Grade B Burl rings (afterall, if I screw it up, no big deal). Many of the rings had big chunks that caused their ends to be unlevel. Simply sanding them flat before gluing fixed that. What REALLY got me going was when I faced all the big chunks on the same side of the grip which resulted in a really distinct look, especially after turning and sanding.

Later, when gluing the cork grip to the blank, I decided to "face" it to the right, on the same side I reel with. Now, whenever I shoot a picture of this rod with a fish, the BEST side of the cork grip is right there in plain view with the fish, making the whole thing look that much better. Think about it, I'm not looking at my grip when I'm fishing, but I WILL be appreciating it's beauty when it's lying next to that gorgeous brook trout!