Cutting Corners (Whip Finish Tool Modification)

     You don't have to be a production tier  to make your time at the vise easier and more efficient. This little modification to a standard whip finisher is one way I've found to combine a few steps in the tying process.

      If you watch enough tying videos you may have seen a whip finisher with a built in thread cutter at the end. This is an innovation developed by legendary tying tool designer Frank Matarelli. From what I understand these dual purpose whip finishers were never sold and instead were given as gifts from Frank to friends and tiers he admired. 

     If you haven't found yourself as one of these worthy recipients you can do what I did and make your own! All you need is a Matarelli style whip finisher and a file or a Dremel tool in my case. Carefully sharpen the bottom tab being careful not to remove too much material. Once you've created a decent edge it can be further honed with a sharpening stone. Happy Tying!