I can just use the regular blades and sharpen them which takes less time than opening a foil package and putting the scalpel on the plastic handle.

Don't use a plastic handle, a good quality metal handle is much better, and it is easy to change blades if needed. Scalpel blades can also be sharpened. I have done it for years. To change blades all you need is a pair of forceps and a little knowledge/instruction.

Damn Steve, and others, great idea! and my wife owns a salon and I never thought of doing that! I use a scalpel for pretty much everything else, it rocks!

Leave all of the razor blades on the shelf or in the box.
Rather, buy a Dr. Slick micro tipped fly tying scissors.

I bought one of these scissors about 10 years ago. I have built literally hundreds of rods and am still using the same pair of scissors. About every two years, I take about 20 seconds and sharpen the scissors.

I leave no nubs and with the scissors, there is 0 chance of nicking an adjacent thread, requiring a rewrap of the guide.

[www.flyfishusa.com]

The master rod builder that taught me, suggested the use of the Fly tying scissors. I took his advice and have not used a razor since.

Try one, and you will say good by to all of your razor blades forever.

Be safe

Roger you echo what I said. I only use a scalpel to feather out the ends of a butt wrap. Scissors cut too straight and don't allow for a good transition in doing the tie off wraps in than instance.

Billy Vivona Wrote:
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> I can just use the regular blades and sharpen them
> which takes less time than opening a foil package
> and putting the scalpel on the plastic handle.


Hi Billy. What do you use to sharpen your razor blades?

fine arkansas stone, but 400 or 600 grit paper works but doesn't last too long. 5-10 passes on one side, same number on the other and ready to go. I do it dry, if you use the stone with oil obviously you might have contaminants enter your threadwork, I don't have that problem.

I don't use a blade of any sort. Start my pull through very early - cut my thread being pulled through very short with a sharp scissor - just a hint of tag-end showing.
Putt thumb pressure at the tag-end location and pull through. This keps the tag end form being pulled too far into wrap.
Tag end gets totally buried - no end to cut.
Herb

Herb Ladenheim Wrote:
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> I don't use a blade of any sort. Start my pull
> through very early - cut my thread being pulled
> through very short with a sharp scissor - just a
> hint of tag-end showing.
> Putt thumb pressure at the tag-end location and
> pull through. This keps the tag end form being
> pulled too far into wrap.
> Tag end gets totally buried - no end to cut.
> Herb

I echo exactly with Herb has suggested and I have no issues. I also agree about the Dr. Slick scissors, they are great to use, but for Billy maybe to slow. He is fast and fun to watch him work his magic with the thread and blade. I do use a blade for decorative wraps (notice Billy I change from using the "butt" word).

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!

The only time I do not use a scissor is when I have to cut a thread - generally metallic - coming out of the blank-end of the wrap. I use a fresh scalpel and just press it against the thread as close to the wrap as possible. The pressure of the scalpel against the blank pops the thread.
Herb