DWSmith 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 Just wondering, which way do you prefer? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
niveker 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 neither half hitches for me 2 hours ago, DWSmith said: Just wondering, which way do you prefer? Thanks! which way do YOU prefer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SilverCreek 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Poopdeck 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gadabout 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SalarMan 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cphubert 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted April 16, 2023 Sometimes gotta go to the big ole goodun… Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cebe 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 On big streamers by hand usually, on smaller fllies a Matarelli tool, and really small flies or parachutes a half hitch tool. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RickZieger 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 I do by hand most of the time. Rick Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Poopdeck 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DWSmith 0 Report post Posted April 16, 2023 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites