Scissors with a bodkin attached

[brandon722]

Can anyone point me to the article (I think it was on FAOL) where it shows how to attach a bodkin to your scissors? It might have been in AK Best's book (maybe "Production Fly Tying"??).

Basically the article showed you how to heat up the plastic on the scissors and stick a needle into the plastic. This "tool" was supposed to help you save time tying and make it convenient (instead of picking up and putting down you bodkin 3 times every fly).

I know I've seen the article somewhere - I'm almost sure it was here. Thanks for your help.

[peregrines]

Yup, AK Best in Production Fly Tying describes how he does it. He modifies a pair of Wiss scissors (Plastic handles). Here are his instructions:

1. Square off the tip of the top handle (over the top blade) to allow a flat surface in which to drill or burn a hole to accept the butt end of a 2" darning needle.

2. Secures it in the hole with a drop of Super Glue, and when the glue is completely dry, bend the needle slightly upwards so it is parallel with the top blade (so it doesn't get in the way.

The tip of the needle should extend beyond the tip of the scissor point by 3/8".

Good luck.

Peregrines

[brandon722]

Thanks man, I knew I had seen it somewhere - just couldn't remember where!

[Joe Billingsley]

Or buy them already put together:
http://www.stoneriveroutfitters.com/cgi ... add=action
Joe

[Gemrod]

Can you legally take info from a person's book and post his info on here? Just curious about intellectual property and copyright law. I have been hesitant to do that.

[William Fitzgerald]

Why do you need a bodkin on a scissor ??? I have been tying over 70 years and mine just sit there. I mght use it to clean out the tip of my glue bottle now and then. BILL

[ridgeliner]

I have the same question. Why do you use a bodkin 3 times for each fly? I use my bodkin to get knots out of my shoe laces more than I do for tying flies.

[Joe Billingsley]

I have a pair of these and do not drop them in your lap. They tends to always land with the bodkin pointed down, like a harpoon. I agree with Bill. I love the Wiss scissors and the extra control they give you but the bodkin tends to get in the way, at least with my fumbling fingers it does.
Joe

[brandon722]

Well Bill and Ridge, I guess not all of us are as great tiers as you. I use my bodkin to apply glue, rough up some dubbing on scuds, I sometimes use it to do a whip knot, and sometimes I use it to move some items around.

If you don't use a bodkin - good for you! I was using three times as an example. I use the bodkin a lot, especially on scuds/czechs.

[ridgeliner]

You don't have to get sarcastic about our posts. I really didn't know how you would use a bodkin 3 times on each fly. I usually don't put anything on the heads of my flies ( 2 whip finishes of 3 turns each). This works for me and I do not have any problems. If I do use something I do use the bodkin.
The hook end piece of velcro on a stick (popsicle stick) would be faster and do a better job roughing up your scuds/nymphs. I know that a lot of bodkins have an indention on the back end so that you can do a half hitch. I have never seen a bodkin with a whip finish tool attached. To me that makes more sense than having a bodkin on your scissors.