When talking about the underfur, I assume that is the fluff that lies between the hairs on a skin. Is this what is used for dubbing?? And assuming it is how do you get it out??
I have had some hide pieces sent by a wellwisher in the states. On some pieces some hair has been taken from the hide. It looks like its been almost shaved off very close to the skin. How does he do that?? I have already ruined two pair of expensive scissors!
I have a piece of Caribou which has very short fine hair. This is difficult to get off in bunches long enough to tie in. If tying on very small dry flies how do I cut and hold a bunch to tie it in as a wing?
Correct. If I were to assume you are right handed, tightly grab a small bunch of hair/fur right next to the hide between the thumb and first finger of your left hand. With scissors, cut the bunch as close to the hide as you can. By-the-way, use a heavier pair of scissors for this then your good fly tying ones. After you cut the bunch carefully release a little tension and, with the fingers of your right hand, grasp the guard hairs and pull them out. You can do this a few times, each time pulling out the shorter guard hairs until you come to the actual fur.
Now, if you want to use the same material for nymphs or flies with buggy bodies, just leave all or some of the guard hairs in.
This may have been the result of the tanning process.
Caribou hair, at least most of what I’ve handled, is comparatively short,perhaps 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches. It’s very good for spun and trimmed bodies. Just takes awhile to get your fingers used to playing with. You may want to try ‘stacking’ it rather then ‘spinning’ it. You can get similar results.
Another way to quickly, easily remove the underfur is to get a “flea comb” from a pet store. They have stiff, smooth, metal teeth set very close together. Cut the hair off the hide as described earlier in this thread then insert the flea comb near the part that used to be close to the hide and comb through the hairs once or twice.
The underfur comes right out.
Also works on live pets without having to cut the hairs off your pet (or your neighbors’ pets). Just comb gently through and it’ll remove loose underfur. Wash, rinse, dry, dub.
Somebody here recently suggested the flea comb. Inexpensive and they work great on the few furs I’ve had a chance to try them on so far (and my dog didn’t complain when I combed some underfur off of him earlier tonight).
Allan when I mentioned the caribou this is very very short, perhaps 6mm or 1/4" sometimes less. Not sure where on the animal it has come from… maybe its only use is dubbing. (THanks for your email bye the way).
