I posted my discovery of precision ground single-edge razor blades a few days ago only to learn I may be one of only a few rod builder on this site who does not use scissors. Roger and others like the Dr Slick Arrow scissors and they are probably extremely good. My thinking (Oh no, here I go again) is that it would be much more convenient and one-handed-accessible to use scissors without finger/thumb loops. Does anyone manufacturer the spring-loaded type equal to the quality of Dr. Slicks offerings? After reading all of your gracious replies from that previous post, I purchased a spring-loaded pair from my tackle shop but they are junk. I realize expecting a spring-loaded pair to perform as well as a pivoting style is asking a lot but you guys know everything. Wha-cha-got?

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I read that thread, and looked at the Dr Slick scissors. They offer spring loaded scissors too. Don;t know anything about them, other than here is a link: [www.drslick.com]

Father to William (15 yrs), who I hope has found his passion in custom rod building!

I have recently switched to scissors myself instead of a single sided razor blade. I found that I had too many 'oops' where the blade touched the part of the thread I didnt want it to, resulting in the wrap coming off. I was looking at the scissors that mudhole offers that appear to be 2 blades that get squeezed together. I may purchase them but not sure at this time.

Mark

I still use single edge razor blade to trim the guide wrap threads after i pull them through the wrap. I find I do not get a close enough cut off with fly tying scissors and always seem to have a "nub" left above the wrap that needs trimming. The trimming of this nub seems to be the downfall of many a nice clean wrap!!

Rog

Ken,

I have the scissors from mudhole that you mention. We like them. No issues at all with them.

If I were to get something else, it would be something that I can lay flat on a wrap and get a cut that is flush/almost flush to the wrap itself. The scissors overlap each other, so the closest they will cut to a wrap is the width from the bottom of the blade to the cutting edge. I would like to see something similar to a wire cutter design, where the cutting edge is located at the bottom part of the clipper.

Is there anything out there like that which will cut thread?

Thanks,
Gib

Father to William (15 yrs), who I hope has found his passion in custom rod building!

I use the small pointed medical scissors. Sometimes provided in stitch removal kits. At least that's where I've gotten them.

Many of us use scissors instead of razor blades. We insert our tie off loops early and after inserting the cut wrapping thread into the loop we pull the loop tight to the edge of the wrap cut the tag end of the thread very close to the loop the pull the loop through the wrap. The tag end is now buried under the wrap with no nub sticking out. Fast and easy. Have not used razor blades in years. Don't knock it till you try it.
Norm

I use the Dr. Slick for all of my tag trimming tasks.

However, I use a pair of spring loaded trimming scissors for all of my other non close thread cutting needs. I have both scissors handy on the bench all of the time.

[www.sewingmachinesplus.com]

[www.amazon.com]

The thread trimming scissors are great for general purpose thread cutting, but they are not suitable for close trimming like Dr. Slick's scissors are. Dr. Slick's scissors have a much finer and thinner points on the scissor blades that will cut much closer than the general purpose spring loaded scissors.

Good luck Mark.

Thanks to all for the replies. Norman, I have been tying-off precisely as you described from the get-go; early (as early as practical / possible) tie-off loop insertion, pull the tag under the first wrap thread with the loop, cut tag as close as possible, pull the loop the rest of the way out, which leaves the tag buried under the wrap = no fuzzies. I never saw the point to pulling the tag all the way out and then cut it unless it is the only option as a few of my wraps dictate.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

A dentist friend of mine gave a pair of fine point curved tip spring action scissors a number of years ago that I use for cutting thread. They work great. I think they are gum scissors but not sure. Might be able to get them at a medical supply store. They look very similar to some fine tip spring action fly tying scissors.
[www.drslick.com]
Norm

Wiss clips...even have blades you can remove and replace. Can be held in hand with one finger.

[www.amazon.com]

Eric,
The Wiss clips are fine for general purpose cutting, but the tips are not fine and thin enough for close to the wrap tag trimming.

Be safe