Whip finish; by hand or with tool?

[DWSmith 0]

Just wondering, which way do you prefer?

Thanks!

[niveker 0]

I tie off one of three ways: with a tool, by hand, and half hitch using the recessed end if my bodkin.  Probably use the tool 80% of the time

[flytire 0]

neither

half hitches for me

2 hours ago, DWSmith said:

Just wondering, which way do you prefer?

Thanks!

which way do YOU prefer

[SilverCreek 0]

Get a Matarelli style whip finisher or a knock off. They are ambidextrous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0JF94-qhQw

http://vimeo.com/9456462

http://www.flytyingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=70282

 

[Poopdeck 0]

I whip finish with a tool so I don’t have to put lotion on my hands. Sometimes I do a half hitch but I prefer a whip finish for no good reason other than it’s what I do. 

[gadabout 0]

I use a tool.  Many purists turn their nose up, but I can whip finish just as fast with a tool as they can by hand.  The Matarellii whip finisher is a joy to use, and I’ve been using the same one for over 40 years.

[SalarMan 0]

I started with the Thompson whip finisher some 50+ years ago, but now use the Marc Petitjean tool and have used it for the last 10(??) years or so.
Great piece of equipment that should last anyone a lifetime.

While I can easily whip finish by hand I much prefer the tool.

[cphubert 0]

I tie in most flies in stages to keep consistency in patterns I normally half hitch during stages for security and better durability, for head completion I use a whip finish tool I can whip by hand but due to loss of dexterity over the years I get a better result with the tool.

[DWSmith 0]

More replies than I expected!  Thanks.

I use my fingers but it's more because the whip finisher included with my Cabela's Deluxe Fly Tying Kit I bought many years ago came with a Sunrise Whip Finisher and it's really different from a Matarelli.  I should get a Matarelli style whip finisher and only use my hands as a backup.  My hands are too rough most of the time.

[Guest]

Sometimes gotta go to the big ole goodun…

[cebe 0]

On big streamers by hand usually, on smaller fllies a Matarelli tool, and really small flies or parachutes a half hitch tool.

[DWSmith 0]

I hate to ask but instead of me hunting for one and finding out it's not so good then trying again, can someone save me some time and point me to a source for a good one please?  Or when they say Matarelli style do they really mean one made by Matarelli?

Looks like the ones made by Matarelli are going for $80 to $110!?!?!?  Never mind the original ones. 

Thanks.

[RickZieger 0]

I do by hand most of the time.

Rick

[Poopdeck 0]

https://shop.flyfishsd.com/products/whip-finisher-rotating-made-in-india?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8L-og6Ov_gIV_ROzAB2YEQToEAQYAyABEgJXmfD_BwE
 

this is all you need. A whip finish tool does nothing special, difficult or technical. I use the above Terra and one I made out of a Chinese food container handle and a coffee stirer. Both work equally well. No need to spend a lot unless you just happen to like to spend a lot. 
 

[DWSmith 0]

33 minutes ago, Poopdeck said:

https://shop.flyfishsd.com/products/whip-finisher-rotating-made-in-india?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8L-og6Ov_gIV_ROzAB2YEQToEAQYAyABEgJXmfD_BwE
 

this is all you need. A whip finish tool does nothing special, difficult or technical. I use the above Terra and one I made out of a Chinese food container handle and a coffee stirer. Both work equally well. No need to spend a lot unless you just happen to like to spend a lot.

I prefer to save a lot of money!  Thanks for the link.