Hackle ratings and ...

[knotnot]

Hi

Went out today for material and supplies.
I picked up some hackle and am still confused about the grading system.
Is there any way to compare the numerical to the olympic grades ?
The neck I got is grade 2 , where the loose bag has no grade.
Whiting has the bronze, silver , gold. ?

Why was some bucktail and other types really smelly?
Quality or poor drying ?

knotnot

[phearless]

Whitings just had to have their own system.
If I read it right...

Gold = #1
Silver = #2
Bronze = #3

As for the bucktail, if it is not skinned it can get a bit smelly.( or a lot )
You noticed how well all the materials I did for myself were cleaned. That is why.
Some of the commercial bucktails still have the bones in them. How do you keep the smell out of those?

Like I said in another thread, look at your materials and choose the best.
If you have an issue, tell the shop owner or manager. It really makes a difference.

Some bird skins can have odours as well. Sometimes it is stink from fat etc. Sometimes it is from mothballs or preservatives.

As for the bagged feathers, if they are the strung variety, you pays your money you takes your chances! Look at a bunch of bags and pick the best.
It is worth teaming up with a buddy and buying capes and saddle patches and splitting them. Better quality and easier to handle.

Welcome to fly tying!
Now you know why I hunt and horse trade and dye some of my own materials.

[knotnot]

Hi

Thanks Fred , I looked at your materials again and yup, into the wild.

Yes the bag hackle strung was pulled apart and 1/3 ok, 1/3 ? and 1/3 garbage.
The neck is grade 2 and is better than the bag and cost more.

I had to toss a bag of bucktail because it stunk up my container.
It looked like hair growing from a big pork rind.

Is there a difference between rooster and hen ? other than the obvious .


knotnot

[phearless]

Rooster hackle is what is used for dry fly hackle.
The feathers are stiffer and have less web than hen.

That being said, lots of wet hackle is from roosters as well.

Hen hackle is softer and webbier than rooster and makes great soft hackles, legs, collars etc.

[knotnot]

Thanks for the info Fred.