Thompson style whip finisher

From reading the fly tying pages, I see that Al Campbell likes the Thompson style whip finisher. But those things are hard to find, and it seems to me that they are drifting out of common use.

While I *can* whip finish by hand (in my case, two hands), I'm a lot more precise with a Matarelli style tool. And really, speed isn't that important to me right now. I tie for fun and the pleasure of success on something I tied myself.

Any opinions on the Thompson whip finisher would be appreciated!

[This message has been edited by BigFlatBrook (edited 02 April 2005).]

Bigflatbrook:

If you have a Matarelli, you already have the best. No need for the thompson.

Andy B

Agree with Andy but I have seen some folks finish some real small heads perhaps easier with the small Thompson.
Incidentally they are quite commonly available.

isn't "THE BEST" whatever works for the individual???? I have always used the thompson style whip finisher, and can also hand whip, but shouldn't it be "EACH TO THERE OWN"?

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Work is a means for people to afford their fishing.

We started out with the Thompson because our hand and fingers were well calloused from work and would crack till they bled.....we were NOT going to sand those smooth! http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/smile.gif
Eventually we moved on to the Matarelli and eventually lost the other thru non-use.
They both work well and which ever you are used to using would seem best. Neither seemed to grandly out-perform the other in any way.
.....lee s.

I agree with ducksterman (Phil) and lee s. Sometimes when dealing with smaller fly heads, the Thompson helps to finish the head without material snagging the threads or having to use a hackle/material guard. But there are small Materellis that could probably work just as well. I don't like to hand whip finish (unless I have to on the back of a fly) because rough skin snags the thread. To me, its an individual choice for what type of whip finish works best and is most comfortable for that individual.


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Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL

"Flip a fly"