Carl Anderberg Split Cane Rod Maker Carl Anderberg lives in the historic town of Skänninge, Sweden near the monastic ruins of St. Birgitta's Vadstena Kloster. A school teacher for most of his life, his passion for fly fishing led him to a passion for bamboo rod building in 1972. Since then he has built nearly 300 bamboo rods. He is self-taught, learned through books, trial and error, and by measuring rods he came across. Carl claims that it took nearly ten years before he thought his rods were good enough to be made for other anglers; this of course, is the symptom of a perfectionist—which he is. Anderberg is recognized as one of the finest rod makers in the world, and is featured in the book, Splitting Cane, by Ed Engle. Lars and Jennifer have worked together with him to produce various rod tapers and designs to suit fly fishing clientele in both Europe and America. His attention to well crafted rods is balanced with his attention to fine finishes. "I developed a special way of applying the finish that I'm quite secretive about."* He has also returned to hand planing rods rather than using a beveller. "I used the beveller for six or eight years, but then I went to hand planing the rods with metal planing forms. It's simpler for me...you don't save as much time as people think when you use a machine."* This approach to rod building means the customer receives a unique fly rod imbued with Carl's respect and devotion to his craft. " Anderberg, like many European anglers I've corresponded with, said he personally prefers the fuller parabolic action of the Ritz rods in an 8-foot length. 'It's always surprising to me that Americans never really embraced parabolics, although Paul Young made some excellent designs, as did Jim Payne. It's not likely to change, either. Many fly fishers switching from graphite to cane rods look for tippy, quick rod actions rather than the more full, complex action of a parabolic design." — from Splitting Cane, by Ed Engle The Jennifer Olsson Signature Rods and other ScandiWest featured models are the result of a great friendship and partnership with Carl Anderberg. We feel lucky to have this opportunity to share his work, we think you'll agree. Carl Folkesson Split Cane Rod Maker Carl Folkesson, a respected rod builder, has joined Carl Anderberg in the production of ScandiWest split-cane rods. We are delighted that he has joined us with his dedication and talent. Carl Folkesson grew up in the countryside of Sweden and has fished as long as he can remember. Many days, after finishing school, he would ride his bike to Dalälven River to fish for pike and perch. In the mid-seventies he became interested in fly fishing. He bought a glass-fiber blank, built his first fly rod and went to the Swedish mountains to fish. There he caught a 26" brown trout! A true inspiration to continue with both fly fishing and rod building. In 1979 he bought his first spilt-cane rod—and fell in love with its beauty and performance. He started to collect bamboo rods, mainly rods by American rod builders, and was fascinated by the fine craft and the wonderful actions. During the 90's he met another Swedish rod builder, and he decided to start building split-cane rods. After attending the International Split-Cane Days in Gimdalen, Sweden, where Per Brandin was the guest speaker, there was no return. One of the highlights of Carl Folkesson's life is when he can be on a stream, fly rod in hand, accompanied by his New Foundland dog, Ronja, and catch a brown trout on a dry fly.   Close Window