FLYMPH FORUM

I have been experimenting with whip finishing a bit lately to figure out if there is any resulting difference in the direction, or lack of direction, one forms the knot, i.e. working towards the hook eye, or, away from the hook eye, or not even paying attention to any direction. My results are inconclusive at this point as some of my whip finishes turn out better than others and am wondering if others have similar experiences with this and if they have any wisdom to share on making better whip finishes.

All the best,
Tom

Based on learning how to whip finish the end of a rope to keep it from unraveling (in Boy Scouts), I wrap from the back to the front. Don't think I've ever had any come undone, but I usually add adrop of SH or super-glue to the head anyway.

A consecutive whip finish toward the eye snugly seats the last turn directly under the knot instead of across the face of the other wraps and then under the knot.

Tom - I will remember this post when I get home. There is a diagram in a book I own ("The Fly-Fisher's Craft: The Art and History", by Darrel Martin - fantastic book by the way - I highly recommend this book). I remember seeing a diagram in the book which clearly favors whip finishing towards the eye of the hook. The reason given is for cosmetics (thread placement on the finished head) rather than the strength of the whip finish. Let me dig up the reference and post the diagram in the book.

Thanks for the responses so far. They make a lot of sense. I never really paid much attention to whip finishing until I started taking photos of my flies and saw that some looked better than others!

Tom

Hmmmmm. I have been doing it wrong. My last turn of thread is near the eye, and I whip finish back towards the material, back over the thread base. More than three whips and it's tough to snug up the thread without breaking.

Now I am scratching my head.

Here is the image I promised to post earlier:

Source: Darrel Martin's book entitled "The Fly-Fisher's Craft: The Art and History"/Page 131/ISBN 1-59228-722-0 / All rights retained by author (used for illustrative purposes only)

I am glad this question was raised. I have been doing it backwards. It won't be the first, and certainly not the last time, I feel sure. Thanks for clearing this up.

I plan on continueing doing it WRONG. (humor)

I tried finishing towards the eye. But then I have a tag showing at the eye, which is more noticeable to me. Maybe it just needs more practice. Not sure. Dubbn, I may be with you on this one!