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Could someone please suggest the best way to straighten out mallard flank? I am trying to tie some Hornbergs and some flat wing streamers and the flank I have is all curled up. I thought I hit the jackpot this weekend when I saw a device used to straighten out womens hair at Walgreens. I tried this, at first the flank did straighten, but this morning it was back to curled. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Try running the feather stem between your thumbnail and forefinger on the side opposite of the curve.
I don't know the flies you are tying, but when I tie with mallard flank, I use paired feathers, putting curved side to curved side. This cancels out curves and strengthens the wings. Another method would be to roll the feather which has the same effect but I think produces an uglier wing.
I steam my feathers over the stove, I agree with Mick about finding two with matching curves.
Steaming may change the feather for a short time but the feather will always return to its original structure. That's why you can roll a feather up in ball and steam it back to it's original shape. If you have an indentical feather on the opposite side the two curves will cancel each other out... visit the Atlantic section and review one of the feather wing articles.
I've always stean ironed them by moistening them, placing them convex-side-up on the ironing board, place the hot iron on the feather body and then slowly pulling the feather out from under the iron by pulling upward against the curve.
This also works to straighten the curl in bucktail tips or to flatten cupped mallard quills that have a curve in the wrong direction. (Have fun.)
You can pinch the feather stem on the backside every 1/8 inch. Pinch it between your thumbnail and index finger. Dig your thumbnail into it a little. I also have a pair of non serrated flat pliers that I flatten the stems at the tie in section. This gives me much more accuracy in getting the feathers to lay straight out instead of rolling one way or the other. Works great for tying in feathers for tails too. Bass bugs or saltwater flies.
Bob