Pete Hidy's Gray Grizzly

[JohnP]

Hi Murray, you old tightwad-cheapskate,
Recycling wire from discarded electronics makes all kinds of sense, and I think someone else suggested that earlier this year. I think I'll try it. Thanks for the tip.

One of the issues I have with silver wire is that it has turned dark on my Dad's flies, and no longer shines.
I see that some jewelers are using silver-plated copper wire that has been coated with a sealer to prevent tarnishing.
And it does not seem to be too expensive either, until you add in the shipping charge. I think I'll try the local craft supply store.
Here's an example of what I found via Google.
My local fly shop doesn't sell a silver wire in this in-between gauge, #26, that seems perfect for flymphs.

Lance

$4.99 for a 15-yard spool seems pretty dear to me. What's wrong with this?
http://www.jsflyfishing.com/cgi-bin/ite ... -Size.html

It is available in many colors, including silver, several diameters, and is much cheaper.

[gingerdun]

Hi John,
No arguments from me. Those prices say it all.
Jeff just made the good point earlier in the string that the jewelry and craft supply people still use the traditional wire gauge numbering, which has more increments than those available from the fly tying sources.
So far I haven't been able to find a low-priced fly-tier's wire that is advertised as 26 gauge, but will keep looking. I wouldn't bother except gauge 26 silver wire is what my Dad spec'd for certain flies that I am trying to imitate.
Thanks!

Lance

[JohnP]

You might check with electrical supply places. They sometimes have bulk wire available at reasonable prices. I am a well-known tightwad, so I was just trying to save you some clink, but I can also understand the desire to re-create a particular pattern using the same materials, particularly patterns as well-designed as those of your father.

[DOUGSDEN]

Lance,
This whole thread has been just wonderful! Like trying to find the heart of an onion, more and more history just keeps bubbling up from within! As I go on in this interesting journey, it's the history that I find most appealing and with each post that you put up, it just gets sweeter! Thanks for all the insights that you share with all of us about the patterns that you present. I hope you know how greatful we all are for what you do on this forum!
I can't wait for the next installment!
Doug