I’m new to fly tying, I just bought a HMH Spartan vise and looking to upgrade my basic tools.
What would you guys and gals consider to be the best not the most expensive.
Thanx
Scrappynadds
[This message has been edited by Scrappynadds (edited 09 January 2006).]
first off, get a couple good sharp scissors that’ll stay sharp. my dr. slick razors have held up nicely, as have my blue plastic handled tiemcos (I think). save yer old ones for cutting wire and hair and other touff stuff.
throw in three ceramic tubed bobbins. there are a number of them out there all more than serviceable and reasonably priced.
beyond that play the field, find stuff you like and buy it. it’s not a bad idea to buy two of them.
you’ll love that vise I’m pretty sure.
mgj
(whose most important tying tool these daze are his reading glasses)
mikey took my answer about the bobbins and scissors
Scrappy,
I don’t think that you can go wrong with tools purchased from any of the sponsors listed on FAOL. I particularly like Hook and Hackle; if there is any kind of problem Bob will make it right. You also can’t go wrong with any of Dr. Slick’s tools, particluarly scissors, they are definitely top of the line. 8T 
You had better learn to be a happy camper. You only get one try at this campground and it’s a real short camping season.
Scrappy;
First, Welcome Aboard!!
I like the non-skid hackle pliers. Item #9408326 in the H&H catalog, $2.10!
The standard whip finisher #3800301 $4.75.
Dr Slick scissors (Don’t see them in H&H)
and ceramic bobbin’s #3901005 $12.50
You can make a bodkin by inserting the head of a large sewing needle into a piece of wood dowel and an film case packed with steel wool make a good bodkin cleaner/holder.
Loon has a water based head cement that makes for easy clean up when you knock the bottle over!
I forgot to mention the 20% discount from H&H!
[This message has been edited by Jack Hise (edited 11 January 2006).]
The Dr. Slick tool kit has a very good version of all the basic tools you need. Not mentioned in the ctalogs, but the bobbin threader and the bodkin in this kit have half-hitch tools built into their handles. I’ve supplemented this kit with a good pair of tweezers, a flat jawed pliers and a side cutting tool for wire. Got the latter two (Crescent brand with red handles)as a combo at Home Depot. Every thing else I use is home made, but I use them infrequently.
I like the Dr. Slick Tungsten Carbide All-Purpose scissors alot. The Matarelli bobbins and whip finisher have been my favorites for a long time. Good luck with your HMH Spartan. I’m contemplating one myself.
I really like those wasatch angler tools and have a bunch. a couple bobbins, three whip finishers, three bodkins, a couple hair stackers, rotary hackle pliers. they’re lovely and feel godd in your hands too. they also treat you right.
I’d love an ekick bobbin but cannot afford one and the fifteen or so I have will continue to do the job…
I got diverted by jc’s post…
the reason I write is be careful using any tungsten carbide scissors. I tie over a tile floor and have broken the tips off one blade of two pair of scissors. they work great, but they are brittle. I’ve found the slick razor scissors and surgical grade to be more than adequate replacements.
blahblah…
mgj
[This message has been edited by mikeytwoshoes (edited 12 January 2006).]
I hate to sound cheap but I spent 2 bucks a few years ago at one of those dollar stores that are sprouting like mushrooms for a pair of cutical scissors that are still as sharp as when I first bought them. I can’t talk myself into spending 10 dollors or more on a pair of scissors. But heck, if ya got it spend it! My one pair of ‘real’ fly tying scissors got dull quick and now are relegated to cutting wire. My hair stacker is a brass cheapee. My whip finisher actually cost me money, about 8 bucks if I remember right! Don’t know what I was thinkin!! (Funny cause lately I’ve been hand tying half hitches!!!) I’m not against nice tools, don’t get me wrong. They do feel better in the hand I’m sure. I just end up spending money on hair, feathers, etc before I get around to looking at the pretty tools. By then I’m broke. (grin!)
The most important item I use when tying flys is my fly tyer’s apron…A Lap Trap. It has saved countless scissors and tweezers by catching them in my lap and not falling all the way and sticking into the hardwood floor. Also saves searching for bits and pieces of materisl that I am continually either dropping or knocking off my desk.
I have a tall, oval shaped, wastebasket. Cost very little and is very functional as a wastebasket for the home office where I tie.
What’s really neat about it is that it fits between my knees while I’m tying. Catches the scraps as they fall and serves to cushion anything that falls.
I’ve found this to be a more practical alternative to a special catching device for fly tying.
Good bobbins make a heck of a difference and they only cost maybe $13.00. I have some fantastic scissors by Anvil and Marryat has super tools as well. Avoid the cheap stuff. Buy higher end and you will never regret it.
I went to Wally’s World and picked up a pair of the Titanium bonded scissors for around $5. The finger holes are a little small but I think these scissors will find use. For $5 I think I can make up a project for them.
Mike
There is no greater fan of flyfishing than the worm.
Patrick McManus