Mustad R50 versus 94840

[Steven]

Anybody know if these are the same size and shape? I know they differ in other ways.

Thanks,

Steven

[jszymczyk]

yes they are the same. It is the "STANDARD" hook which Mustad used to base their designation system on. If they're not EXACTLY the same size/shape they are so close as to not matter.

[Steven]

Thanks. I appreciate the input.

I've been reading Mike Valla's book. It's kind of inspired me.

His proportions are based on the 94840 rather than the TMC 100.

[Byron haugh]

Funny, I grew up tying dries on the 94840. Not sure what else was available back then......................

[Steven]

According to Valla, prior to WWII, the hook of choice was the Allcock brand from England. Valla never goes into why that brand disappeared - my guess would be steel rationing. Mustad was considered inferior by the Dettes.

[Byron haugh]

I haven't used Mustafd hooks for many years

My local fly shop "back in the day" only carried Mustad. It was decades before the Internet. No real alternative.

I don't personally know of any tiers today who use Mustads. I'm sure some/many do, but none who I know