Danvilles Fly-Master

[ticklematackle]

I have recently started fly tying and have a load of stuff left from my grandad.
I have been using Danvilles Fly Master from what looks like 1970's spools and I'm running low and also want to replace other colours i have with the same thread as i find it easy to tie with.
My question is, will the modern stuff be the same, as they seem to have quite a range of threads, or is there an alternative that is similar?
Thanks, jon

[oddgitt]

Hi Jon,

By co-incidence I've jus found a load on e-bay. Searching for it specifically, there's quite a lot for sale, although colours seem limited.

In terms of other threads, I bought some Sheer 14/0 threads at the weekend, needing something alot thinner for smaller flies than the batch of UniThread 6/0 and 8/0 I have, and have found it superb.

[ticklematackle]

Hi OG I bought some UTC70 to get myself going and i just cant get on with it seems to catch and split on any cracked skin on my hands or nails, the danvilles is great. Most of my flies are 12/14/16 so I don't need to go to fine. I take it the Danvilles fly-master i have found through internet searches will be the same guage and type of thread as the old stuff i have then? I don't want to order a load of colours to find it is different, cheers. Jon

[stevekale]

Don't think it has changed much. The company is still going strong

Danville Chenille Company Inc.

and their thread is still widely available (although their 3/0 monocord, which is one of the best for use with deer hair, is being discontinued). Remember different threads have different properties suited for different purposes. UTC is great.

[arkle]

When I started tying in the late 60's the only choices of thread were either Pearsall's Gossamer or Naples. & to be quite honest they weren't that good of many of the tasks I wanted to do then. Then along came Tom Saville with Herb Howard's 6/0 & spigot bobbin holders, the change was really beyond belief. I still use Danville's (who bought out Herb Howard) 6/0 & think it's one of the best threads around.

Davy Wooton, said that if he was restricted to tie with only 1 type of thread it would have to be Danville's (6/0) I'm not going to disagree with that statement.

[flytire]

what danville made in the 70's probably hasnt changed to whats being made today. maybe just a wooden spool to todays modern plastic spool. oops thats bobbin!