Silver Doctor

When I began fly tying in the early sixties there weren't many reference materials available. You can see the rest of the images and read about them on my blog here

I previously tied on a Renzetti for 15 years and a Thompson for 10 before. Picked up the Nor 4 years ago and because I had a solid tying background had little trouble adapting to it. Not a beginners tool as it needs experience to appreciate it. But would be a great vice to buy if you intend to tie for a lifetime. Dubbing is a joy and it has replaced my dubbing spinners. Solid jaw hold and the quality of the build is second to none. I have to date put over 6,000 flies through it including a great many full dress Atlantic salmonflies. The tube set up is great and very efficient. I also have the fine jaws which tremendous as you can even turn them to face you to weave flies. The auto bobbin is also a joy and I just won't tie with a non auto one. I am confused by the negative reviews,no tier I know with experience has ever had anything negative to say about the system. Norm gives excellent backing for his product and is always available for advice. Great service!!!!!!!!

My dad was a commercial tier in the 50's, learned from him in the 60's. His adage was tie 6 to get to know the materials. Another 6 to figure out the pattern, the last 6 to figure out the shortcuts. Strip the hooks, Start tying the fly. Used this way for 50 years, through my commercial tying, it embeds the pattern in your mind for good.

I apologize for stepping in but you can see movies of the vice in action here. http://www.nor-vise.com/multimedia/video.htm

Well lots of negatives here. I have tied since the early 60's and have accumulated a few vices. All of which have been mentioned here. Tied on a renzetti for years and love it. It now resides in my traveling kit. I own a Nor-vice for about 4 years and love it. I love the idea of a permanent mount. Makes it super stable. The bobbin is a prime little device also. Much of the opinion here reminds me of cars guys who say my brand is best no other will work. Lots of great vices out there now a days. Fact is we're all individuals. What works for one may not for another. My suggestion would be to do some hands on research. find a good fly shop that stocks a number of brands and try em out. Decide for yourself. You could also visit or join your local fly tying club adn have the opportunity to see tiers on many brands and get some hands on. You do not have to limit yourself to one vice.

I used Sally's for a great many years. I am now using Minwax Polycrylic. Wonderful stuff. It's opaque and dries crystal clear and super hard. The nicest thing is it's low odor and is thinned with water. looks great on my Classics.

I have often thought of sorting them but never sat down to do it. I guess I like to pick feathers that are nested together on the cape for matched pairs. also I love the look of a cape (until it has only a few feathers left.).I think it would speed thing up if they where sorted. Any thoughts from others out there that sort.

Hi there, Does anyone have directions or a web link to tying the Zip lock ant. thanks

I like to run a bit of glue on the tying thread. Holds solid without the post stiffening.

Thanks for all the great ideas. The flip top works great. and will pick up a Dynaking resevoir this weekend

Through the years I used commercial head cement. and then back to spar varnish. Sally's was a great one also which came in it's own little bottle keeping the stuff from drying. I'm now using Minwax Polycrylic, it's really nice and give me a great gloss and above all it's low odor and thinks with water. I've purchased a couple of commercial head cement containers that have a built in needle {the way I prefer to apply head cement as it gives me control in build up} but find that they tend to let in air and the cone shaped "stopper" inside the cap keeps popping out when I take off the cap. I just may fasten it down with Sho-goo. Anyway has anyone run across an ultimate glue bottle either a commercial product or "found" container for filling with bulk head cement?

lots of interesting ideas here, thanks all.

I have a nor-vice that is currently mounted on just a flat board. Had an opportunity and picked up a second one while on a business trip in British Columbia from a guy that hated it. I on the other hand love them for fast dubbing. Quite amazing. Want to use one in a portable system of some sort. Have any of you got pictures or ideas of your mounting systems on different kinds of stations either permanent or portable.would be appreciated. Was thinking of wing screws for quick detaching of the vice for portable systems. . Also what is you favorite distance between the vice and post?

the Idea of buying by hte box is a good idea. I'm not so much into speed tying although I do tie a lot of flies. In this day and age I dotry to cut corners on cost where I can. The price of materials seems to climb slow.y and steadily.

A really really big bobbin.... Actually I wanted bulk to fill my Nore-vice auto bobbins.

Does anyone know if tying thread is available in bulk? I get tired if buying those small spools.

My Dad. He was an avid fly fisherman and in 1963 bought me a vice. So started in me a love affair with hook, hackle rod and stream. Although he is gone his tying style live on through my hands and now through the hands of my twin sons. Thanks Dad.....