Rerun to fly tying

The ally cat

I gave up tying flies nearly 15 years ago as I couldn't find the time, recently I dug out my fly tying gear and was surprised to see it appears perfect. My question is should I replace any of it and what's likely to have stood the test of time and now be of use, I have the usual seals furs, capes etc and threads and tinsils, I plan to buy new stuff but would hate to throw out the old stuff it was usable. I suspect it's probally all ok except the threads. Thanks in advance, apologies for misprint in title

ironbluedun

dont throw any of it out. i have lots of fly tying materials that are over 20 years old and as good as the day they were bought. if your materials were kept indoors in a dry damp free environment they should be spot on. if they were subjected to dampness a good inspection is in order. but you have said they are look good so i bet they are fine to use.

always keep fly-tying materials indoors at room temp, never put them in a shed.

The ally cat

ironbluedun wrote: »

dont throw any of it out. i have lots of fly tying materials that are over 20 years old and as good as the day they were bought. if your materials were kept indoors in a dry damp free environment they should be spot on. if they were subjected to dampness a good inspection is in order. but you have said they are look good so i bet they are fine to use.

always keep fly-tying materials indoors at room temp, never put them in a shed.

Thanks

slowburner

I agree with IBD.
Cripes don't throw any of it out.
Some fly tiers would give their eye teeth for real seal's fur.
If your threads are silk, there is a chance that they will have gone brittle.

Even a bit of damp is not too bad for fur and feather - if it was, the flies wouldn't be much good under water.
It won't affect the feathers themselves, but it can affect the skin they're attached to.
I had a Jungle Cock cape attacked by bugs once; they made a mess of the skin but the feathers were fine.
If the skin has been well preserved (Borax. I think) they should last forever and a day.

You should inspect your hooks very carefully before using them.


..........sneaks off to check that everything is ok in the fly tying cabinet.

ironbluedun

The ally cat wrote: »

Thanks

you are welcome.