So how do I sharpen them?
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ecently, cutting fur, feathers, hair, and softer synthetics became a task for a pair of “name” brand fly tying scissors. They were not quite five years old and that was disappointing. A tying friend said that my “good” pair of scissors should last, a non-pro, 10 years or more without losing a step. Hmmm.
Let’s sharpen the scissors
Online, I found out what sharpening devices and tools I needed along with instructions that included how to set up a sharpening jig. Whoa, whoa – stop right there. Too much for me, forghettaboutit.
Alice, an oft carp fly fisher partner, is a tying ‘inventor’ of all things carp. She is also a chef so I called her and asked about sharpening stuff. Chefs use knives. She said a service came by restaurants in a van, sharpened on the spot, and she guessed my scissors would cost about $20. The service, she said, came by irregularly so I’d have to leave the scissors with her. That meant I was out of business.
Dr. Slick micro-tip scissors. Image Dr. Slick.
When I couldn’t find my scissors… I knew where to look for them, in the kitchen
I found a few articles online about fly tying scissors, sharpening, and care. Each article, it turned out, was an attack on my lack of scissor love, or disregard for scissor limits.
In a pinch, I had been using the scissors for opening packages, cutting wire, cutting paper, cutting fluorocarbon line, clipping rosemary and other herbs.
A remedy shows up in the barber’s chair
My barber is a lady from Guatemala, she is easy on the eyes and can cut my thinning dome in under eight minutes. I asked her about scissors. She always has umpteen on display. About self-sharpening she said: “Are you kidding me, these are expensive scissors, all of them. I take them to a place that specializes in sharpening my kind of scissors. I look for slight rebabas (burrs or wear points?), and then it’s off to the sharpening place. If you wait too long, the scissors are ruined.”
I called a friend, Don Reed, a pro tyer and asked about scissors
Don Reed: “Buy another pair of tying scissors and keep the formerly good pair that you ruined for cutting all other items. Get one pair of scissors specifically for delicate cuts. Cuts where precisely is what you’re looking for.”
FLM: I got my old pair sharpened for $20, but they were not back to good grade scissors?
DR: “You let the scissors go too far. They’re shot. Just reserve that pair for rough cutting jobs, like wire. And buy a quality pair of ‘ice tempered’ scissors just for cutting hair.”
FLM: Well, at least I now have an expensive knife for cutting herbs.
DR: “Yes, you got the expensive part right.”
If you’re in the market for a good deal on tying scissors or tying anything, consider trying Saltwater Fly Tyers at Oyster Creek Outfitters. They have some of the best deals, carry the top brands, and “know” fly tying
NOTE: Featured Image is Don Reed headlining fly tying at the previous Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Symposium held at the IGFA in Dania Beach, Florida. Clement image.
