Best Scissors

[Fred]

I'd like to get some good fly tying scissors. I only have one pair. I am not going to pay a lot of money, however.

Any thoughts on a good medium-priced scissor for tying smaller flies and getting good cuts on deer hair?

Anyone ever go to the medical supply stores and get surgical scissors?

[Larry S.]

I would get a pair of Dr. Slicks 3 1/2" straight. That is assuming your other pair is a little larger for hair and rough cutting. As Ouzel stated on another thread they have a groove in them for cutting fine wire and mono,etc.

Another good choice is Anvil Ice scissors.

Just make sure the finger holes are larger than the surgical type scissors.

[mcgx2]

I've had good luck with Thompson Ice, especially on Deer Hair. $19.99

mcg

[Mr. T]

I was instructed by the Guy that Showed me how to Tie, to Buy and Use Nice Scissors.

He told me that the one Tying Investment to spend $$$$$$ on was a Real Sharp, Nice pair of Blades.

I'm not saying $50-100 Nice, but a more expensive pair, IMO will last longer and hold the edge longer...

When I first started Tying, years ago, I used my Moms real expensive Sewing Scissors, Wow did I catch Hell! 8^0

[Graycliff]

I was the recipient of a few angry words myself when I was caught using the "sewing scissors" for various things!

[dryfly]

I have a pair of Anvil Ice they are great.

[Curtis Fry]

I've tried a lot of scissors over the years and my favorites are Wiss scissors. You can sometimes buy them from fly shops for $20+, but you can also order them off the internet for $7 or so.

www.sewingmachinesales.com/shears/w1570.htm

I like them because they're very sharp, can cut small stuff and fit very nicely in the palm of your hand. Makes it a lot easier to keep them in hand when tying. Plus they have spring action making it a little easier to deal with too. Try them, you'll like them.

[Fred]

Thanks for all the input. Gives me a lot to work with.

Curtis Fry, those look really interesting. I'm going to order some. For only 7 bones, why not? They would seem easier to hold.

thanks!

[Mr. T]

Curtis, those look Nice!

I had to Chuckle about Buying Repair Parts for $7.00, or buying a New pair for $7.00? ;-)

[LIV2FSH]

I've had several types of scissors, and the Dr. Slicks with Tungsten blades are the sharpest and have performed for 2 years without any problems! I cut pretty much everything with them, except heavy wire and they are still as sharp as the day I brought them home. The black anodizing on the handles is all but wore off, but I can live with that. I tie in excess of 100 dozen flies a season, so they are not still sharp because they have been sitting on the bench collecting dust!

I always keep my scissors in hand, and they fit my hands nicely. The loops are big enough to get my fat knuckles through!

They were a little spendy, I think around $25.00. But in my opinion, money well spent.

I'm a firm believer in spending a little more $$$ up front for a quality tool. It will usually save you money in the long run!

Tight Lines, Bruce

[Ouzel]

I have used several types (mfgs) of sissors. When I was dating a doctor she was able to pilfer several various pairs and they lasted a long time. I did have to open the finger holes though.
I currently use the Dr. Slick's, as Larry said, and the 3.5" straight are good but the last year or so I have used the 3.5 curved and I find they are a little more conveinent for smaller flies.
The Slick's cost $9.00 - $13.00 depending were you shop. Their new t-carbides at $30.00 seem to be priced right for what you are buying (t-carbide)and their history of keeping a sharp cutting edge. I just wonder what would be the cost of trying to get a pair sharpend.
With knives, the harder the blade the longer it will hold an edge. The trade off is the difficulty of resharpening.
I would think sissors are much the same.