Trimming

Fly Fishing
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Not the seasonal work in Humboldt County…Fly Trimming.

@Loogie’s Glades Special thread reminded me that one of my weakest Points as a tier is trimming. I can’t count the flies I’ve ruined with a pair of scissors and I’m envious of those clean, precise trims but didn’t want to hijack the thread.

So, @Loogie and everyone else, any tips or tricks when it comes to tight haircuts of EP flies in particular? I’m sick of cutting the hooks out of potential masterpieces that I’ve ruined. A good tier I know recently recommended a beard trimmer which sounded insane at first but…?

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Ahh yes the trimming! The shape of the trim is important to get the rough shape, so I cut always with the grain, and a sharp pair of fly tying scissors. Grab the fly with your hand, and trim to shape with the grain, PATIENTLY, fluff the fly with the grain it will lessen the stray fibers and trim the strays, repeat until you don’t have strays. Resist the urge to trim against the grain, that can cause the fibers to grab and you’ll ruin your work of art very quickly.

To make final trimming I squeeze the fly to get the shape of the head and trim the uneven areas gently, very small cuts until you achieve desired results.

Practice lots!

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Great detail and just what I was seeking, thanks!

Still very open to any other input as well.

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I find it like trimming a hedge. More is not always better.

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Somewhat beginner here but get yourself a quality 4” or better 6” scissors. Makes trimming baitfish patterns easy. I still use the flytying scissors for close quarters but the larger scissors are more forgiving and will make quick work of those patterns. Same scissors you’d use to trim your beard or cut hair…

I wouldn’t use a beard trimmer as the scissors are more precise and will give you more control…

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I like fly tying scissors made for cutting hair. They grab the material better.

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Go slow, you don’t know want to knick the trunk or sack. Wait, what are we talking about again?

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I like to have a comb and brush it out before and during trimming

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@rovster nailed it with getting a pair or longer scissors

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Does anyone have a brand/model of trimming scissors to recommend?

My tying scissors are pretty sharp, but still push fibers out when trimming with the grain. I often trim against the grain to compensate for this, with the fibers pinched between thumb and finger very close to the trim line. This reduces the overcutting.

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I use Fiskars spring loaded ones that I got from Ace and have been using them for ever and love them. Note I do not cut wire with them. I keep a pair of wire cutters on the desk for cutting brush and wire.

Fiskars Easy Action Micro-Tip Titanium Scissors, Sharp Blades for Cutting Precision and Angles with Easy Action Spring Design, Crafting Supplies, SoftGrip Assisted Handle Amazon.com: Fiskars Easy Action Micro-Tip Titanium Scissors, Sharp Blades for Cutting Precision and Angles with Easy Action Spring Design, Crafting Supplies, SoftGrip Assisted Handle : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

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Trimming while on the vice is ok for major outliers, but for finer detail I remove the fly from the vice and press the hairs together flat between my fingers and trim the outsides, much like the way a hairstylist trims hair. I go around the fly and do this on each side. This really helped me dial in how to trim toads without screwing them up and I use it on streamers and cracks. It ensures you don’t take off too much and it also makes a line that is easy to follow to be uniform.

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