Cheap tool hack

[SteveG]

For anyone who ties really small stuff, and finds that they clip half of the hackle off with scissors when trying to cut the hackle stem or thread, get yourself a cheap seam ripper from the fabric shop. Some even come with a "bodkin" on the other end.

 

[laszlo]

That, and sharpening the end of your whip finisher.

 

[tomk6251]

Never have a problem using my sharpened whip finisher, as laszlo said.

 

[lestrout]

At least with thread, what I do to avoid cutting off too much random stuff by accident is pull on the thread to create tension, and then rub it against the V of the scissor blades. I don't do any snipping during this operation. The sharper the blades are, the better this trick works.

As for nipping off hackle stubs, I guess that's how I justify spending $40+ for the fancy scissors with the tiny pointy ends.