Keith, I don't know the precise answer, but not many. As for fly-tying thread, none of the "brands" are manufacturers in the true sense. All respool; so, for example, nylon threads are generally made from one, two, or three plies; hence 70, 140, 210 denier threads. While the base material may be the same, some additional "manufacturing processes" may be included. For example, UNI infuses a proprietary wax into their waxed versions of polyester. This wax isn't for dubbing purposes, it gives the thread additional "grip" and helps prevent fraying. Mark is correct, which is why I grouped the results. I believe everything I wrote was correct. My main point was to show how the x/0 system has been abused. Size comparisons between different types of thread are really of questionable value; what's the meaning of "size" for a nylon thread that spreads out flat on the hook?
Strength is another question, but it can be measured directly. Almost 10 years ago, Helm and Merg compared threads in a detailed Fly Tyer article. While their "size" measurements were inaccurate (a poor measurement technique), their strength measurements were pretty good (excluding a few misprints). That's why Griffiths 14/0, Benecchi 12/0, and UNI 8/0 all had the same strength---they are all the same material and denier. Cheers Paul http://www.galesendpress.com Paul Marriner Outdoor Writing & Photography. Owner: Gale's End Press. Member: OWAA & OWC. Author of Stillwater Fly Fishing: Tools & Tactics, How to Choose & Use Fly-tying Thread, Modern Atlantic Salmon Flies, Miramichi River Journal, Ausable River Journal, and Atlantic Salmon. ----- Original Message ----- From: "KEITH PASSANT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 6:26 PM Subject: Re: [VFB] Thread Sizing > I thought the all time biggest thread was the IOFF one?? > And the smallest was when I asked if anyone wanted to buy a Scottie 9'6" > cane rod. > (NO REPLY) > > > > > The info in your thread was great though Paul. Now a question. How many > thread > manufacturers are there worldwide? Would it be wrong to summise that maybe > some > threads are made in the same factory and badged differently? If so how come > the difference in say WAPSI to Gudebrod etcetc. And what of the > "independant" type > suppliers of thread like Lureflash in the UK. Theydont make threads but > theysell them under their own brand name. > Just stirring the pot folks. > KP > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Paul Marriner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 6:54 PM > Subject: [VFB] Thread Sizing > > > >
