csearsdirk 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 I searched for this, but couldn't find much. how do you strip peacock herl? mine just keep breaking. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjforsyt 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 I will soak the herl in a glass of water for several minutes and then use a pencil eraser. I'll work it from the base of the herl to the tip then I'll go from the tip back to the base of the herl for anything that might be left in the first pass. I will also just do small areas at a time, no more than an inch. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flytire 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 i just use my fingers. seems to work for me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpd4 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 I use one of those 'ink' erasers - the otherwise useless half of a 2 material eraser. It works well on dry peacock. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
angler by choice 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 how about burning off the herl with bleach? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DevinKaradeema 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 i use a rubber ninja looking dude i got out of a 25c thing. works great Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letumgo 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 Here is another way to "skin the cat" Simple method for stripping peacock herl using bodkin needle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smallieFanatic 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 i just use my fingers. seems to work for me Yep, me too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arkansas Mike 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 how about burning off the herl with bleach? If you need a bunch of stripped herl, you can burn an entire eye in a 50% solution of bleach/water. 2 cups bleach and 2 cups of water. Dip the eyes in the bleach water for about 18-20 seconds and then swish it around. Thoroughly rinse it off in the sink or dip it in another pan of straight clean water. If there is any flu left on the quill, dip it back into the bleach for another 8-10 seconds and rinse. You can easily ruin and bleach the color out of the quills if you leave the eyes in the solution too long. Also, they tend to be much more brittle afterwards. The less time in the bleach, the better. Some follow up by soaking the stripped herl in hair conditioner. I generally just use an eraser. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChuckingFluff 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 Big eraser does the trick everytime. Not sure what Mikes doing :dunno: but please be carefull and don't blow up your house. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeremy Parker 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 I use my finger nail!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yellow bomber 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 Vodka and dinner might work too Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flytyer14 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2010 Hold up here....you use the herl from the eye? I use it from anywhere on the feather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arkansas Mike 0 Report post Posted May 4, 2010 Mark, for quill bodies, the herl is generally taken from higher up, right below the eye, where the quills have a more prominent stripe, or dark edge on one side. Of course you can use the herl from lower down on the feather, but those up higher tend to make a better looking "ribbed" body. Ian...if anyone's house blows up, it's A.K. Best's fault. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeremy Parker 0 Report post Posted May 4, 2010 Mark, for quill bodies, the herl is generally taken from higher up, right below the eye, where the quills have a more prominent stripe, or dark edge on one side. Of course you can use the herl from lower down on the feather, but those up higher tend to make a better looking "ribbed" body. Ian...if anyone's house blows up, it's A.K. Best's fault. Mike Sure give away all the secrets :devil: :devil: He is right though it also helps to create the tapered effect! Blessings, Jeremy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites