Hackle Folding Tool

[PhilA]

For quite a few years, a friend and I were invitied to tie flies at the "Celebration of Fly Tying" event that used to be held in Grand Rapids, MI.

During the fly tying, we used a small "tool(?)" to hold back the hackles before doing a whip finish. It never failed that during each event, quite a few people would say something (after watching us use the "tool") like: "That was worth the price of admission." So we started bringing a few extra with as give aways.

The "tool" is made, as follows:

Take the small yellow, plastic straw that comes with a "Capri Sun" drink then cut the straw into pieces approx. 1 1/2" long.

At one end of the straw, take your fly tying scisssors and cut a 45 degree angle in the straw. At the bottom of the angle, cut a straight line from the angled bottom to the square end of the straw.

After cutting the straight line, go back to the angled end and cut a small "V notch" at the end of the straight line. The small "V-notch" allows the fly tying thread to move forward as you slide the "tool" over the hackle which, in turn, allows for doing a clean whip finish.

Bob

Bob,
I *think* I understand, but is it fair to say that your tool is more of a hackle preening tool, as opposed to a hackle folding tool?

Any chance you're coming to the Badger Fly Fishers Show in Madison this year (Feb. 8)? We could talk nymphs, flymphs, and spiders.

Cheers,
Phil

[joaniebo]

Phil

Haven't been to the show since I last tied there several years back. I try to avoid shows as my "impulse buying" (especially of hackles) gets the best of me. If I'm tying, I'm too busy to do any shopping. Cheers.

Bob

PS - The last time I visited Dave's home, I popped down $300+ and ended up buying some hen skins that I already had at home......bad "senior memory". But, I now have enough brown saddle hackles to tie Cracklebacks for the rest of my life!

[PhilA]

Phila,
Will Dave Roberts be there again this year with piles of hackle? I have not heard a peep from him in months.

John,
I've heard neither peeps nor tweets from Dave either. His mountain of hackle always seems to be a fixture of the show, so I suspect he'll be there. I texted Dave to inquire but haven't received a response yet. I'll let you know if I learn anything. What are you in need of? More hair extensions? --Cheers, Phil

[daringduffer]

No feathers needed, just more silk.

I have some silk underwear that due to wear needs to be replaced. Interested?

(Actually, I have replaced it with bamboo that feels almost the same).

dd

[letumgo]

You guys crack me up.

[PhilA]

No feathers needed, just more silk.

I have some silk underwear that due to wear needs to be replaced. Interested?
dd

John,
Here's your chance! You should take Stefan up on the offer. This is how mystical tying materials get started. It's the rarity, not the reality, that makes for iconic materials.
---Urine-burned underfur of a vixen red fox
---Wool from a ram's testicles
---Isabella-coloured mohair
---Chadwick's 477

A fly incorporating frayed silk underwear aged naturally by Swedish nobility ... brilliant! Just think of your resulting fame John!!!

[wsbailey]

"A fly incorporating frayed silk underwear aged naturally by Swedish nobility ... brilliant! Just think of your resulting fame John!!! "



And possibly pre-dyed Isabella.

[daringduffer]

They were Isabella-coloured from the beginning but now more of primrose in front and slightly brownish in backside. Cannot explain the reason for this . You will thus get three colours.

dd

[daringduffer]

They were Isabella-coloured from the beginning but now more of primrose in front and slightly brownish in backside. Cannot explain the reason for this . You will thus get three colours.

dd

dd. I appreciate the offer but I have plenty of primrose and brownish colored silk thread.

No s-it!

dd

[letumgo]

Funny!