are these surgical sissors serrated?
ABSOLUTELY not! A serrated edge is usually not needed to cut the kinds of tissue these scissors are used for. In flytying, the serrated scissors are best used for cutting hair. Why? Because you can wear out your "regular" scissors if you use them for cutting to much hair. One of the things that makes a good pair of fly tying scissors is the ability to work close in, very fine work, all the action/function in the last 1 to 2 millimeters of the tips.
My favorite flytying scissors over the years have been the German Soligens, Thompson Ice, Wiss Clips(probably used more than any other), and my current workhorses are two pair of the Tiemco scissors(the ones with the black handles), one with serrated edges.
There are some "surgical" scissors referred to as "Iris" scissors, that have been popular masquerading as flytying scissors. The kind of work these scissors are used for makes them not tough enough for anything but the most delicate of flytying applications. This is almost true of one of my favorites, the Soligens... :-( The real brutes are the Thompson Ice(looks like these are made by someone else now...), and the Wiss Clips. The Wiss Clips have the luxury of replaceable blades.
Without a doubt, the "cheapest" (free...) flytying scissors are the ones that come in "disposable" suture sets... If you know a Physician, PA, Nurse, or Medical Assistant who comes accross these, have them select a pair for you. Most of the time, these scissors are used only to cut the suture material(6X or 7X tippet...) They never actually come in contact with the actual patient, and are completely safe. Wipe them off with alcohol, and they're ready to start cutting tying thread. It always bothered me that these were thrown out in the trash after being used only to put a couple of sutures in a simple boo boo on a childs forehead or chin. Contact me off list if you'ld be interested in trying a pair of these. :-)
Happy tying!
TomTully, PA-C
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
