In the Tying Tips section there is an item about using double-edged razor
blades for trimming spun deer hair bodies. It correctly notes that double
edged razor blades are sharper than single edged ones and suggests using an
X-acto knife handle to protect your dexterous digits.
A good compromise is to use surgical scalpel blades. They fit
the X-acto handle directly, are as sharp as the double-edged
blades and actually more available. Your doctor, dentist or
veterinarian can get them for you in a 12-pack. Style
#11 has a long tapered shape that makes them useful for
other critical uses also (like giving some argumentative
person a lobotomy).
There are all metal scalpel handles available for also
but they are not as comfortable to use. They are metal
so they can be autoclaved. ~ Ray Kunz
Please check out the Fly Tying Section, on the Bulletin Board, here at FAOL too.
If you have any questions, tips, or techniques; send them to
publisher@flyanglersonline.com
Originally published October 26, 2003 on Fly Anglers Online by Ray Kunz.