Tying Kits?

I haven't tied since the early 80's and would like to get back into it this
fall. I'm looking for a recommendation on a tying kit. I still have the
vise and tools, in need of materials. I recently received a Kaufmann's
Streamborn catalog and see that they sell tying kits.

Thanks

"Jim" wrote in message
...
I haven't tied since the early 80's and would like to get back into it this
fall. I'm looking for a recommendation on a tying kit. I still have the
vise and tools, in need of materials. I recently received a Kaufmann's
Streamborn catalog and see that they sell tying kits.

Thanks


IMHO, if I were you, I would forgo the kits. Most of the material is second
rate. In our tying classes, we recommend you decide what flies you want to
tie and then buy the material for them. By doing this you will be assured of
getting first rate materials.

IMHO, if I were you, I would forgo the kits. Most of the material is second
rate. In our tying classes, we recommend you decide what flies you want to
tie and then buy the material for them.

I second that advice.

vince

On Sun, 27 Aug 2006 20:54:40 -0400, vincent p. norris
wrote:

IMHO, if I were you, I would forgo the kits. Most of the material is second
rate. In our tying classes, we recommend you decide what flies you want to
tie and then buy the material for them.

I second that advice.

vince


I third that advice as well. But would be willing to sell the
leftovers from my tying kit if you are interestedg. Actually get
the good materials and forego the seconds.

Allyn

"Jack Schmitt" wrote in message
news

"Jim" wrote in message
...
I haven't tied since the early 80's and would like to get back into it
this fall. I'm looking for a recommendation on a tying kit. I still have
the vise and tools, in need of materials. I recently received a
Kaufmann's Streamborn catalog and see that they sell tying kits.

Thanks


IMHO, if I were you, I would forgo the kits. Most of the material is
second rate. In our tying classes, we recommend you decide what flies you
want to tie and then buy the material for them. By doing this you will be
assured of getting first rate materials.
Kaufmann's Streamborn makes a special effort to explain the deficiency of
most tying kits and emphasizes that their kits are stocked with first
quality materials. This is what made me wonder if some kits may be
worthwhile. I want to tie a variety of dry/wet/streamers and nymph patterns
which will be expensive whether I go with their combined kits or on my own.

Thanks for the responses.

Jim

"Jim" wrote in message
...
"Jack Schmitt" wrote in message
news

"Jim" wrote in message
...
I haven't tied since the early 80's and would like to get back into it
this fall. I'm looking for a recommendation on a tying kit. I still
have the vise and tools, in need of materials. I recently received a
Kaufmann's Streamborn catalog and see that they sell tying kits.

Thanks


IMHO, if I were you, I would forgo the kits. Most of the material is
second rate. In our tying classes, we recommend you decide what flies you
want to tie and then buy the material for them. By doing this you will be
assured of getting first rate materials.
Kaufmann's Streamborn makes a special effort to explain the deficiency of
most tying kits and emphasizes that their kits are stocked with first
quality materials. This is what made me wonder if some kits may be
worthwhile. I want to tie a variety of dry/wet/streamers and nymph
patterns which will be expensive whether I go with their combined kits or
on my own.

Even if the materials are top quality, you still end up getting a pile of
stuff that you may or may not use. Avoidance is about the closest you will
ever come to consensus on any issue among experienced fly
tiers......especially among those who started with a kit.

Bear in mind that most of the materials you'll use are actually pretty
cheap. Aside from a few exotic materials like jungle cock, about the only
thing that's really expensive is premium quality hackle......and that is
something you can buy in small quantities as needed, rather than forking out
the big bucks for a whole neck. Many materials can be had for lower prices
(even for much larger quantities) from arts and crafts suppliers, fabric
stores, hardware stores and many other sources. For example, you could
spend several dollars for a small card wound with a yard or two of chenille
at a fly tying materials vendor, while a trip to a well stocked crafts
supplier might result in a large spool for the same price or lower. Many
years ago, I found several sizes and colors of chenille at a store that
specialized in selling junk picked up from a variety of sources. Each large
spool was wound with a couple hundred yards. They cost me 50 cents each.

Wolfgang

"Wolfgang" wrote in message
...

"Jim" wrote in message
...
"Jack Schmitt" wrote in message
news

"Jim" wrote in message
...
I haven't tied since the early 80's and would like to get back into it
this fall. I'm looking for a recommendation on a tying kit. I still
have the vise and tools, in need of materials. I recently received a
Kaufmann's Streamborn catalog and see that they sell tying kits.

Thanks


IMHO, if I were you, I would forgo the kits. Most of the material is
second rate. In our tying classes, we recommend you decide what flies
you want to tie and then buy the material for them. By doing this you
will be assured of getting first rate materials.
Kaufmann's Streamborn makes a special effort to explain the deficiency of
most tying kits and emphasizes that their kits are stocked with first
quality materials. This is what made me wonder if some kits may be
worthwhile. I want to tie a variety of dry/wet/streamers and nymph
patterns which will be expensive whether I go with their combined kits or
on my own.

Even if the materials are top quality, you still end up getting a pile of
stuff that you may or may not use. Avoidance is about the closest you
will ever come to consensus on any issue among experienced fly
tiers......especially among those who started with a kit.

Bear in mind that most of the materials you'll use are actually pretty
cheap. Aside from a few exotic materials like jungle cock, about the only
thing that's really expensive is premium quality hackle......and that is
something you can buy in small quantities as needed, rather than forking
out the big bucks for a whole neck. Many materials can be had for lower
prices (even for much larger quantities) from arts and crafts suppliers,
fabric stores, hardware stores and many other sources. For example, you
could spend several dollars for a small card wound with a yard or two of
chenille at a fly tying materials vendor, while a trip to a well stocked
crafts supplier might result in a large spool for the same price or lower.
Many years ago, I found several sizes and colors of chenille at a store
that specialized in selling junk picked up from a variety of sources.
Each large spool was wound with a couple hundred yards. They cost me 50
cents each.

Wolfgang

Good point on the craft stores! I'll keep that in mind.

Jim

Wolfgang wrote:

Even if the materials are top quality, you still end up getting a pile of
stuff that you may or may not use.


I've never bought a kit and I have an ENORMOUS freaking pile of
materials I'll never use. One of the joys of tying for a number of years
is that you nearly always have something in the pile that will make do.
The main problem is finding it.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

I will accord up sets. Most of these abstracts is the second rate. Bundled in our class, we acclaim that you adjudge what you wish to fly tie, again buy their material. By accomplishing so, you will be assured access to capital material.

I've never bought a kit and I accept an ENORMOUS freaking accumulation of materials I'll never use. One of the joys of attached for a amount of years is that you about consistently accept something in the accumulation that will accomplish do. The capital botheration is award it.