A few articles in Casting Across history have drawn ire from the fly fishing internet. There was the series of posts that calculated the “best rated” fly shop in each state. There have been reviews of products from companies that people don’t like. There are opinions, recommendations, and personal convictions that readers don’t agree with.
And then there is the real controversy: nippers.
Yes. Nippers. The simple piece of gear used to cut tippet. People get irate about nippers. Why? I have some nice tippet-cutting tools. I think there are good reasons to own them. I think they’re a great gift for the fly fisher in your life that has everything.
But I don’t think they’re necessary. Once more: $100 nippers aren’t necessary.
What else isn’t necessary is the self-flagellation of using fingernail clippers. I don’t think that you need to swing to the other end of the spectrum to prove a point or to save $6. Here are three reasons why:
Cutting Surface
Unsurprisingly, fingernail clippers are shaped like fingernails. That is good if you’re cutting fingernails. That curve is helpful mid-manicure, but it is decidedly not helpful when trimming the tag ends of newly tied knots. Sure, cutting a length of tippet from a spool can be done with a curved cutting surface. But the precision cuts of a fresh surgeon’s loop or improved clinch knot will benefit from something with a little more control. And it is only $6 more.
Cleaning Hook Eyes
There is no needle on the side of your standard pair of fingernail clippers. Thus, you’ll have to find and carry another tool in order to clean out your flies’ hook eyes. That might work, but is it worth carrying two tools instead of one? And, might it not be worth simply shelling out $6?
Grip
Generally speaking, I use my fingernail clippers in a controlled environment. Rarely am I cold, wet, or standing waist deep in water. So it is totally fine that they’re made out of a smooth, almost slick, metal. On the river, it is nice to have a surface that isn’t going to slide or move if conditions aren’t perfect. If I have to torque down on heavy monofilament or backing, I don’t want my tool to twist. Isn’t that worth $6?
Hopefully my point is compelling enough to not be controversial. Maybe it will balance out what this great clothing brand assumes is my only opinion on nippers.
But I have to be transparent. High quality, well-made, fly fishing branded nippers will cost you more than an additional $6.
Rite Aid Daylogic Nail Clipper – – $1.49
Loon Classic Nippers – – – – – – – $7.50
Price difference – – – – – – – – – – $6.01
We all have our price, I suppose.