A Guide to Fly Tying Scissors: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Bench
Having the right scissors can make the difference between a meticulously crafted fly and a frustrating experience at the vise. While it might seem simple, selecting the proper scissors for fly tying is crucial to achieving polished results. Let's explore the different types of scissors available and their general uses in fly tying.
Straight-Blade Scissors
The workhorse of any fly tying bench, straight-blade scissors are versatile and essential for general-purpose cutting. These scissors typically feature precision-ground stainless steel blades that come to a fine point.
Advantages:
- Excellent for general cutting tasks
- Provide good control for precise cuts
- Ideal for trimming hackle, deer hair, and synthetic materials
- Usually more affordable than specialized scissors
Best for:
A primary pair of scissors for most patterns
Arrow-Point Scissors
Arrow-point scissors feature a distinctive blade design: one blade comes to a sharp point while the other has a slightly blunted tip. This unique configuration allows for exact cutting in tight spaces.
Advantages:
- Superior accuracy for detailed work
- Excellent for getting into tight spots
- Perfect for trimming materials close to the hook
Best for: Small dry flies, tiny nymphs, and any pattern requiring precise trimming in confined spaces
Curved-Blade Scissors
Curved scissors feature blades that bend away from the center line, allowing for smooth, curved cuts and easier access to materials on the opposite side of the hook.
Advantages:
- Natural cutting motion for rounded shapes
- Better access to materials on the far side of the hook
-Useful in trimming hair bugs
Best for:
Streamers and patterns requiring smooth, rounded profiles
Razor Scissors
These specialty scissors feature sharp, razor-like edges that can slice through dense materials with minimal pressure.
Advantages:
- Clean cuts through dense materials like deer hair and foam
- Reduced material displacement during cutting
- Minimal hand fatigue when cutting rigid materials
- Excellent for creating clean, sharp edges
Best for:
Bass bugs, deer hair patterns, and foam terrestrials
Serrated Scissors
Serrated-blade scissors have their place in fly tying, mainly when working with synthetic materials that tend to slip during cutting.
Advantages:
- Superior grip on slippery materials
- Reduced material fraying
- Good for cutting woven or fibrous materials
Best for: Saltwater flies, synthetic streamer hair, and patterns using lots of flash material
Making Your Selection
For those new to fly tying, start with a quality pair of straight-blade scissors. As your skills develop and you tie more diverse patterns, consider adding specialized scissors to your collection. Many experienced tyers keep three to four different pairs at their bench:
1. General-purpose straight scissors
2. Arrow-point scissors for detailed work
3. Curved scissors for streamers and larger patterns
4. Either razor or serrated scissors for specific materials
Remember that quality matters. Investing in one excellent pair of scissors is better than having several mediocre options. Look for scissors made from high-quality steel with a smooth action. Your scissors will be one of your most-used tools, so choose wisely and care for them well.
