I've been tying mostly with the tools from a Beginner's set there were a gift a year or so ago -- except that I bought a Danvise to replace the Thompson A imitation. The Danvise works great for me.

Recently I bought a Griffin ceramic bobbin and that really improved my tying. Too often I break stems with my hackle pliers, but the first pair of replacements I bought weren't much better.

If anyone has a recommendation on hackle pliers, I would appreciate hearing them.

Thanks!