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3. Scissors

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.