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Artistic view of a Male Pteronarcys californica (Pteronarcyidae) (Giant Salmonfly) Stonefly Adult from the Gallatin River in Montana
Salmonflies
Pteronarcys californica

The giant Salmonflies of the Western mountains are legendary for their proclivity to elicit consistent dry-fly action and ferocious strikes.

27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.
Troutnut is a project started in 2003 by salmonid ecologist Jason "Troutnut" Neuswanger to help anglers and fly tyers unabashedly embrace the entomological side of the sport. Learn more about Troutnut or support the project for an enhanced experience here.

PESCATORE
PESCATORE's profile picture
Rancho Cordova, CA

Posts: 17
PESCATORE on Jul 12, 2016July 12th, 2016, 4:55 pm EDT
I believe this is the correct forum for tying tools, if not, ping me.

I have some very old scissors for fly-tying work that have served me well but, it's time to replace them. They go back a long way, and the manufactures are no longer producing them so, I must look at what is available in todays market.

I would like to hear your pros' and con's regarding the Scissors you use and would recommend. For me, quality is Number 1, so I don't skimp when it comes to tools. I also appreciate very fine pointed scissors for getting at those tight spots. One pair of scissors for general use and the other for the very tight cuts.

The manufactures I have looked at and read about are the following:

Anvil, Dr. Slick, Loon and the line that Orvis offers.

Feedback from users is important, it narrows the field much quicker, than tons of reading. Remarks and suggestions, are welcome and appreciated.

Regards,

Don
Don

Roguerat
Roguerat's profile picture
Posts: 456
Roguerat on Jul 13, 2016July 13th, 2016, 1:27 am EDT
This could get pretty subjective, although I've used all the makers you've noted with the exception of Orvis tools...

BUT, I prefer and use Dr Slick exclusively now.

They come sharp, stay sharp, and have served well.

My 2 cents.

Roguerat
Planettrout
Planettrout's profile picture
Los Angeles, CA / Pullman, WA

Posts: 53
Planettrout on Jul 13, 2016July 13th, 2016, 5:00 am EDT
I have narrowed down my favorite scissors brands to Dr. Slick - Razor and Tungsten Carbide and the curved Anvil scissors:

http://www.drslick.com/catalog/scissors


http://anvilusa.com/prod/store.html#!/Fly-Tying/c/13991404/offset=0&sort=normal

They work for most of my cutting needs...


PT/TB
Daughter to Father: "How many arms do you have, how many fly rods do you need?"

http://planettrout.wordpress.com/
Martinlf
Martinlf's profile picture
Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047
Martinlf on Jul 13, 2016July 13th, 2016, 8:18 am EDT
OK, some will call this heresy, but although I have four or five other pair of more expensive tying scissors, I mostly use a pair of Fiskars 5" micro tip scissors (Under 10.00). They stay sharp, can be tightened, and the point will get in almost anywhere I need it to go. I've had them for over 10 years, and don't expect to replace them anytime soon.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell
Roguerat
Roguerat's profile picture
Posts: 456
Roguerat on Jul 13, 2016July 13th, 2016, 8:34 am EDT
Louis-

this isn't heresy, or in my case, 'hairesy' because I use Fiskars (one blade serrated) for cutting and trimming all kinds of hair- deer, elk, whatever- for my warm-water tying. Guess I was focused on what I use for hackle.

You're 100% right in that they stay sharp and can be tweaked with a screwdriver if need be.

BTW I'm going to look for the micro-tip Fiskars, think a fabric or notions store would carry these?

Roguerat
PESCATORE
PESCATORE's profile picture
Rancho Cordova, CA

Posts: 17
PESCATORE on Jul 13, 2016July 13th, 2016, 1:36 pm EDT
Greetings:

I appreciate the quick responses and what works good for you.These remarks are all very good, I will take into account what you have said, when I zero in on my purchase.

Thanks All,

Don

Don

Oldredbarn
Oldredbarn's profile picture
Novi, MI

Posts: 2600
Oldredbarn on Jul 13, 2016July 13th, 2016, 1:54 pm EDT
I have an old pair of black handled Skeeters I have used for many years. Not sure they are still made though. I wigged out and bought some German scissors years back as well that were costly but still functioning...Also have the obligatory Dr Slick's as does everyone else here it seems...:)

Spence
"Even when my best efforts fail it's a satisfying challenge, and that, after all, is the essence of fly fishing." -Chauncy Lively

"Envy not the man who lives beside the river, but the man the river flows through." Joseph T Heywood
Gutcutter
Gutcutter's profile picture
Pennsylvania

Posts: 470
Gutcutter on Jul 15, 2016July 15th, 2016, 6:38 am EDT
Take a look at Solingen. A fairly expensive but very fine line of fly tying shears.
I got mine from Chris Helm before he passed. I believe they are still being sold through Whitetail Flytieing
All men who fish may in turn be divided into two parts: those who fish for trout and those who don't. Trout fishermen are a race apart: they are a dedicated crew- indolent, improvident, and quietly mad.

-Robert Traver, Trout Madness
PESCATORE
PESCATORE's profile picture
Rancho Cordova, CA

Posts: 17
PESCATORE on Jul 15, 2016July 15th, 2016, 1:43 pm EDT

Gutcutter:

Thanks for the info. I have some Solingen knives in my kitchen, funny I never thought about looking at their small scissors.

Thanks for the tip.

Don
Don

Martinlf
Martinlf's profile picture
Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047
Martinlf on Jul 15, 2016July 15th, 2016, 2:45 pm EDT
Rogue,

I think mine came from a craft store, and I've seen them lots of places--always wondering if I'll ever need to replace them. My brother-in-law had them on his tying table, which I often use when visiting, and I liked them. He also uses his a lot. If you get a pair, let us know what you think.

"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell
Roguerat
Roguerat's profile picture
Posts: 456
Roguerat on Feb 16, 2021February 16th, 2021, 4:42 am EST
Louis,

I'm binge-watching Kelly Galloup's Slide Inn video page today, noticed he's using orange-handled scissors...Fiskar's!? Anyway, I'm still going to get a pair sooner or later, just because.
This is another thread's topic but I've tied a couple Found Link patterns and waiting for things to warm up so they can be test-cast to a fish or two, it's 12 above right now and a mite chilly for hitting any water...

tight lines,

Roguerat

"Less is more...'

Ludwig Mies Vande Rohe
Red_green_h
Red_green_h's profile picture
New Mexico

Posts: 64
Red_green_h on Feb 16, 2021February 16th, 2021, 4:52 am EST
I just started tying and I never thought something as simple as scissors would be so crucial. I've gotten a couple different pairs but I gotta say the best ones I've used so far are the ones I got from a suture removal kit I snagged from work. Stainless, surgical-grade steel and able to make very delicate cuts.
Partsman
Partsman's profile picture
bancroft michigan

Posts: 321
Partsman on Feb 16, 2021February 16th, 2021, 6:33 am EST
I purchased a pair of Wiss quick clips, there really nice for keeping on your fingers and have fine replaceable blades. They don’t like cutting thick bunches of deer hair, and trimming longer hairs of streamers can be a challenge. Having really enjoyed watching Charlie Craven videos I decided to order a pair of Dr.Slick razor scissors. Just waiting for the mail gal to deliver them, hopefully today,I will let you know what I think.
Mike.
Martinlf
Martinlf's profile picture
Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047
Martinlf on Feb 16, 2021February 16th, 2021, 1:26 pm EST
I just reread this and saw Roguerat's comment on Galloup's micro point 5" Fiskars. I just saw Galloup comment on them in a Slide Inn video. They are the exact same scissors I've been tying with for years. 9.00. Like Galloup, I like mine. Good fine points and they stay sharp. Red green's suture removal scissors, or iris scissors, are very good for close work as well. Lots of choices out there.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell

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