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Just call me,"thumbs" but I cannot succeed at tying knotted legs from barbules of Pheasant tail feathers.
I recall seeing some feathers available that had the fibers pre-knotted while still attached to the quill.
Does anyone recall who the supplier was ? Thanks.
Here's a couple:
http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=747T
http://www.mwflytying.com/order_info/oi_feathers.html
Regards,
Scott
I think Spirit river makes them as well.
They are expensive, buy the tool, and make your own, I did and now can use and make different sizes.
I use an electrical test clip from Radio Shack to knot feather barbules and everything else. It just takes a little practice. There a little trick to wrapping the barbs around the tip and then poking it through the center of the knot.
We had a conversation on this several months ago, but haven't found the thread yet.
Search for "Legs on a stick" as in
http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-...n-a-stick.aspx
If you're not using one of these
http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/special...046000002.aspx
or something to knot your own very similar you should get one. Available at most fly shops and shorter versions at most sewing stores.
Are you trying to knot them after tying on fly, or before cutting off quill?
Buy the one from Rainy's http://www.rainysflies.com/ezhopperlegtool.php It does take a little practice but once you get the hang of it you can turn them out really quick.
Another way is to get a really SMALL latch hook tool like they use for doing rugs (looks exactly like the Rainy's) but it's gotta be small.
The tool will more than pay for itself over time. The best pheasant tail feathers to use are the center ones as they have longer barbs but you can use them all.
Fatman
The Rainy's does have a nice wood handle which is why it over $10. A 'knit picker' from a sewing or hobby/craft stores is the same thing and only $2
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/knit-picker-785576/
The leg knot tool from Jann's is the same as a knit picker but twice as long and less than $3.
They are all just a latch-hook, like used on rugs, but much smaller. The key is to knot the fibers while still on the quill. and to reverse the knot from left to right to get left and right legs. Yes it does make a difference. If you use 2 rights and turn one over you'll have the top of the feather barbs facing up on one side and the bottom of the feather barbs facing up on the other.
Bass Bug is EXACTLY right!! That's what I was going to suggest ... and it does work! Sure, it'll take a bit of practice, but it does work!!
I bought a couple of packages of the "Legs on a Stick" not too long ago. For each knotted "leg" there are between 8-10 of the fibers that are knotted together. If I'm going to use them I would want either one or two fibers knotted together. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do. Cut eight or so of the fibers out on each side of the knot and discard them? That's the only thing I can figure out and what an expensive waste that would be.
Joe
I absolutely agree with this. It's the reason I bought a knot tool.Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Billingsley
My issue remains, thought, that I can't get the damn legs nice and even once I tie them on. I get one leg nice and right, the other splayed out to the side.
I know the fish don't care (since they hit 'em anyways) but I do.
Steven ... On the up side of the thread, or the down side? (which way you putting the thread on) If it's on the up side (the up and over the hook) set the leg a bit crooked to start with ... lay it in towards the body/hook, so that when you put the thread up and over, the pressure of the thread against the leg will straighten out the leg. (Boy, I wish you were here to see what I mean! it's sooo much easier to show than to tell!!) Just try it ... you'll see what I mean! :roll:
Hey Betty, I get what you're saying...basically use the thread torque to get 'em set right.
Believe me, I try......
"thread torque" ... yes! That's what I was trying to say! The times it doesn't seem to work, just keep in mind, the fish don't really care!!!
You can also use a size 7 or 8 crochet hook and knot the legs easily.
Rick
have you tried to hold the legs securely while wrapping the thread??
C'mon now. Did I insult your mother! :)
Lmbao :d