Deer hair trimming

[kirk]

I enjoy tying deer hair flies, mostly slabs, snakes, and Parakeets, with some FW muddlers in the mix. How do the denizens of this board trim their deer hair creations? I just use a straight pair of tying scissors. I am not always 100% happy with the trimming, (some is due to the actual spinning) and I am wondering what techniques others have had success with.

Thanks

Kirk

[tomflynn]

Kirk,

The last fly tying class I attended we made Tobory (sp) snakes. We were taught to trim the deer hair with 4" straight scissors and then fine trim with the head of a razor. Based on our results versus the instructors, I would suggest that your results largely depend on how well you spin the hair on. The instructor's fly head was condensed and uniform while most of those being taught had fly heads that looked like they need Sy Sperling's help.

Tom

[Adam-Albino]

I once suggested to Rocky that an electric razor would be perfect for the final trimming - I believe he tried it.... Didn't work.... :-);
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[bassman]

I've always used single or double edged razor blades and curved Thompson Ice scissors. Works for me and fine detail can be obtained...I've seen reference to using a mustache trimmer and that sounds neat but have yet to try it. One thing about using razor blades is they dull very quickly. You need to be careful with them around your bench. I have a waste bag that attaches to the bottom of my vise that catches trimmings...epoxy drips...etch...Sometimes it gets rather full before I empty it. One time I was searching for my scissors when I accidentally dropped them into the bag and was rummaging around for them and happend upon a old razor blade that fell in there without my knowledge...Sliced me pretty good so if you use razors use caution with them...cheers...Jeff

[jefff]

I find both scissors and double edged razors work well for trimming deer hair. It is tough to use a razor if the deer hair isn't packed tightly. The razor tends to push the hair out of the way if the hair is sparse and cuts it uneven. The razor works well to make flat bottoms on poppers. A curved pair of scissors works well for round areas and to make curved guides to cut by with the razor. I actually made a bunch of 4/0 grocery snakes yesterday. Good timing. Straight scissors seem to be the least effective.

[boba]

I've tried razor blades (various types), scalpels, electric trimmers (beard and hair types - trimmers do work well for roughing out the shape on large flies) and various scissors. I still find scissors the best (it's important that they have serrated edges tho'). I start with straight and cut outward from the eye in a "V" with the eye as the point; then switch to curved or continue with straight scissors, depending on the size and shape of the head I want.
I think the most important thing is to find the tool(s) with which you are most comfortable. There is more than one "right way."
boba
So much water, so little time...

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On 2/1/00 5:00:10 PM, jefff wrote:
I find both scissors and double edged razors work well for trimming deer hair. It is tough to use a razor if the deer hair isn't packed tightly. The razor tends to push the hair out of the way if the hair is sparse and cuts it uneven. The razor works well to make flat bottoms on poppers. A curved pair of scissors works well for round areas and to make curved guides to cut by with the razor. I actually made a bunch of 4/0 grocery snakes yesterday. Good timing. Straight scissors seem to be the least effective.
</blockquote>

[gsmith]

Kirk,

I use double edge razor blade for most of the trimming. But I do have a suggestion, take your spun and trimmed deerhair flies and steam them (hold them over a tea pot works). Then trim them again. The steaming will maximize the flaring of the deerhair and you will probably find that some more fine trimming is in order.

Greg

[tdunlap]

Kirk, I saw jack garthside spin(he calls it hackle) deer hair at marlboro. 1st he covers the shaft with thread{he no used no cement to make his point}. he takes a clump,about size of a pencil and after cleaning out the fluff, wraps around the folicle end of the hair(approx 1/4 inch from end)then wraped 5 turns with no pressure. after that he held the thred stationary in the bobbin and tapped, YES, ONLY TAPPED!!! the bobbin till the thread was tight. this brings the hair about 180% around the shaft. then keep it tight as in spinning hair, but no wiggling the thread, wind it like you would hackle. the tighter together the thread, the denser the hair will be. if needed add another clump. try it he said he has never failed to tech it 1st try to students. if you have a question on it email me. Tom dunlap