Don't throw them away

[Ray Kunz]

I was recently going through some old stuff Including several unused 50 year old #2 Metz rooster capes.
(Yes, I'm that old. I started fishing and tying when I got out of the army in 1947.)
These necks were still soft and pliable and showed no evidence of any genetic engineering. The feathers had very nice, soft barbs from which I tied some soft hackle flies. Wow, they seemed better than those I have tied lately with recent hen hackles.
Metz hens today are nice and soft, make better shaped wings for Adams dries, I think, but are too short for Palmer winding long shank hooks. Whiting's on the other, hand are longer but are stiffer and just too skinny for my liking.
These really old guys are just right for my soft hackle needs. Just my opinion of course.

[fritz]

I have Metz necks #1 grade from the early 80's. Still going strong as far as I can tell. Still pliable

[ScottP]

At the very least the older necks tend to have some very good spade hackles for tailing, something you don't see much on more recent capes.

Regards,
Scott

[melk]

WAIT!!! There is use for us old birds afterall!!
Mike

[gqualls]

That is amazing; thanks for sharing.

[okflyfisher]

I have a fair assortment of old rooster capes from when i first started tying in the sixties. They were not very good for dry flies , but I just might have to dig them out and try them for soft hackles. Thanks for bringing it up