ABOUT THREE DECADES AGO, “rotary” fly tying vises took the fly-tying world by storm. Even though these tools offer real advantages, most tiers don’t use the “rotary” style of tying; they simply use their rotary vises to turn hooks to see the far side of the flies they’re tying.
If you’re looking for your first fly tying vise, or you are wishing to upgrade, don’t discard the idea of tying on a traditionally styled vise. The real advantage of a traditional vise, such as the HMH Standard vise seen in the photo, is that the head of the vise is typically angled upward so the jaws—that’s the part that grasps and holds the hook—sit well above the body of the tool. This upright position creates more room for your hands to work, and there is more space between the hook and the top of your work bench. This added space below the hook means that your bobbin can hang freely so you will not lose tension of the thread.
HMH offers some of the very best traditionally designed fly tying vises in a range of prices. If you prefer a more standard style of vise, similar to the classic Thompson Model A, check out an HMH fly tying vise. See the entire range of HMH vises and other tools at www.hmhvises.com.
WHICH VISE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Which style of vise is right for you? Go to your local fly shop and tie a couple of flies using sample vises. Also ask the members at your local fly fishing club what vises they prefer, and ask the folks who visit the forums section of this website at www.flyfishingandtying.com.
Good tying!
