Bruce- perhaps the late Everett Garrison studied Hawes, when he entered the rod making world in the mid 1930's. He also used an Alpha prefix for his rods, when he got to Z- he restarted the series. Of all the great rod makers, I liked Lyle Dickerson's system the best: 6 digits for a 3 pc. length, then descending ferrule size, 4 digits for the 2 pc. rods- both series were/are "Steinways" IMO.
And for Deano-- try this trick on tippet material that doesn't hold a knot-- rough up the to be knotted area with fine steel wool first- it is the 'slick" surface that is causing you that problem.
And when at the storied Rockwell Club, remember that fly fishing, like bird hunting with a fine side-by-side, is a gentleman's sport- so, keep both your flies and martinis very dry!!
