Fellow Fly Tyers,

I would like your opinions on scissors. I am a lefty, alack, and I use Anvil Ice Curved scissors for left-handers. However, the edge just isn't serrated enough to trim deer hair. Diane loaned me her Anvil Ice Curved scissors for right-handers, and they grabbed the hair. I discovered while the fly is in the vise (my cutting skills are pathetically non-existent), I cut the fly's right side better with my right hand, and the fly's left side better with my left hand.

I really move my fingers around inside the loops. I can not find any Anvil scissors that are closed-loop. I have never used the open-looped scissors and am afraid they would slip around.

What feedback can y'all give regarding the open-looped scissors?
What specific brand of scissors do you use to cut and trim deer hair?
If you could buy any pair of scissors for deer hair flies, what would you buy?

Thanks in advance for your input and suggestions.

I have a short (maybe 3 inches) pair of Dr Slicks curved serrated scissors that I use for thicker material and deer hair. They appear ambidextrous, although I am not so I cant guarantee they would work. They rest in my left and right hands the same. I have a pair of straight extra sharp surgical scissors for every thing else.

Curved

From a Chris Helm interview

Chris Helm interviewed by Hatches Magazine

"What brand and style of scissors do you recommend for trimming?
For most tiers I would recommend Anvil Ultimate scissors, in both straight and curved tips. After a phone call to Anvil about four weeks ago they honored my request to double-serrate their hair scissors. These will now be a standard stock item. The cost on these is around $20. These are a higher quality product than the less expensive imported hair scissors and hold their edge much longer. I tie a considerable number of hair flies each year and I get mine sharpened about every 18 -20 months. The average tier would probably need theirs sharpened every four or five years."

Chris is my deer hair hero....

I have numerous pairs of Anvil scissors - both curved and straight. They have served me well for many years. In all honesty, I use a double edged razor blade for 90% of my trimming. Scissors only come into play when roughing out a collar or something similar. I also have a few pairs of outrageously expensive scissors that appear to cut hair extremely well...until you compare the results with those of the razor blade.

My advice is to spend more time with a razor blade and use scissors only when necessary.

Thank you, All. I really appreciate your advice.