Kevlar tying thread?

[fredaevans]

Other than it's thin and strong .... and expensive as heck .... any benefit in using same vs regular waxed thread?

Fred

[JonT]

Hi Fred,

I only really use it for a couple of purposes - to bind the various mounts I use for sea trout fishing and spinning deer hair on larger flies.

I've used two spools in 4 years so it doesn't cost the earth in real terms.

An alternative could be Roman Moser power thread which is also tough as old boots and less bulky than the kevlar.

Hope this helps

Jon

[.D.]

Originally Posted by fredaevans

Other than it's thin and strong .... and expensive as heck .... any benefit in using same vs regular waxed thread?

Fred

Are you including all these modern GSP threads ( like the aforementioned RM powersilk - whatever it's made of) in your question, Fred?

.D.

[arkle]

Gel Spun Polyethelyne, is very smooth almost glass-like to handle, it flattens well and is also used in the manufacture of bullet proof jackets. Having said that it's not my first choice for "heavy" work such as deer hair spinning as it will cut through the material very easily, it does not dub as well as most other threads either. Kevlar is not quite so "high tec", it's less smooth; so for me at least it works a lot better with deer hair. Dyna cord is similar to g.s.p. and is okay for smaller things like elk hair caddis's etc but will still cut through softer deer hair. Kevlar, Dynacord (Dyneema) can be had in colours as can Roman Mosers PowerSilk, but most g.s.p. have to be dyed with felt tips. G.S.Ps also benefit from 2 whip finishes as the surfaces are so smooth they have less grip, kevlar is fine with 1 x 3 turn whip, all of the above benefit from a coat of superglue prior to a finish with hard as nails. If you use a lot of these threads a ceramic tubed bobbin holder is recommended by most tyers as it's less likely to groove.

[Highlander]

Other than it's thin and strong .... and expensive as heck .... any benefit in using same vs regular waxed thread?

Can't think of anything at moment. I would give it a miss.Other than it will take the hand off you.
Tight line

[fredaevans]

Originally Posted by .D.

Are you including all these modern GSP threads ( like the aforementioned RM powersilk - whatever it's made of) in your question, Fred?

.D.

Actually no as several of these products (to my knowledge anyway) don't appear to be sold on this side of the Pond (you'd be truly amazed at what you fellows have available we never see 'over here'). And that is one of the strengths of this (and other) UK based boards.

A few on line shops, like the Irish Angler in Carnation, Washington, do a good business 'importing' these products, but if you didn't know about their web sites 'no chance,' as in out of luck. Another example would be the Carron fly lines; only two small shops distribute the lines (best dry lines in the World in my opinion) actually carry them. Same for the Vision ACE Scandi head 2-hander products.

But that's what generates many of my "small hand in the air" type questions.

[.D.]

I've never really used "kevlar" thread myself - probably reflects the limited range of flies I tie.

I do have some of the finer GSP threads that seem to have superceded it to some extent. I don't use them much - far too slippery to tie with. Good for thread ribs ( as kind to trouts teeth as they are to scissor blades ), really heavy dubbing loops ( you can spin them forever without the thread snapping) and for binding down things that require a lot of pressure, maybe. Apparently they're also popular for heavy deer hair work with some experts.
For general tying I'd forget it.

And Kevlar could do serious damage to your tiny little hands, Fred .

.D.

[Geoff Cherrett]

Originally Posted by fredaevans

Other than it's thin and strong .... and expensive as heck .... any benefit in using same vs regular waxed thread?

Fred

You said it, Freda. Thin and strong, very robust it makes for a great rib on any pattern where bulk is to be avoided or any situation in need of a bit of sublety, especially buzzers where I use it almost exclusively. A spool will last ages and works out relatively cheap when used in this way.

Geoff

[arkle]

Hello Geof,
Good to see you on the forum, we look forward to seeing your postings
Regards
John

[Geoff Cherrett]

Originally Posted by arkle

Hello Geof,
Good to see you on the forum, we look forward to seeing your postings
Regards
John

Hello John,
kind of you and thanks. My joining this forum coincides with me swanning off to Ireland for ten days, but I look forward to contributing to what appears a very enthusiastic board upon my return.

Geoff