Testing Dubbing Material

[idnative1948]

Some years ago I was in Yellowstone Park and picked and a couple of large handfulls of the fine winter hair that buffalo put on (they had been rubbing a tree). Really soft fluffy stuff, dark brown. I was checking out my supplies last night and came across it again. Got me to thinking, "Should I try tying something with it?"
What say you? Should I even consider it?

[noreaster]

Why not? If it is fine enough to spin then it could work fine. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[idnative1948]

Plenty soft. I just pulled it back out a minute ago to look at it again and rolled some through my fingers. One thing I noticed is that the fiber is really short. Deal breaker?

Originally Posted by noreaster

Why not? If it is fine enough to spin then it could work fine. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[theboz]

Bet you it will work really well! Just don't tell to many people you removed it from a tree in Yellowstone ,you may get yelled at!

---------- Post added at 11:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:46 PM ----------

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[coug]

This company

Fly tying fiber

was at the FFF last August in Spokane. They had a sampler pack that I picked up, but haven't tried it yet.

[noreaster]

Originally Posted by idnative1948

Plenty soft. I just pulled it back out a minute ago to look at it again and rolled some through my fingers. One thing I noticed is that the fiber is really short. Deal breaker?

Not at all. In fact, many dubbin recipes call for a whip in the coffee grinder. This will make the fibers very short but still spinable.

[idnative1948]

Coug- Thanks for the link. Can't wait to get back up North fishing, but alas, will most likely not be until retirement in two years.

N'easter- Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by coug

This company

Fly tying fiber

was at the FFF last August in Spokane. They had a sampler pack that I picked up, but haven't tried it yet.

[rockriver]

Thanks for the link.

[silver creek]

Originally Posted by idnative1948

Some years ago I was in Yellowstone Park and picked and a couple of large handfulls of the fine winter hair that buffalo put on (they had been rubbing a tree). Really soft fluffy stuff, dark brown. I was checking out my supplies last night and came across it again. Got me to thinking, "Should I try tying something with it?"
What say you? Should I even consider it?

First, don't lick your fingers while tying with the raw fur. You don't know what can be carried on wild animals. Use a dampened sponge in a dish.

You can also hand wash the hair with some gentle soap and warm water. You will surprised at how much dirt comes out of the fur.

[idnative1948]

Wow! Thanks! Never even crossed my mind. I could end up with buffalosise
Guessing if I use a little of the Mrs unscented Woolite that she washed hand washes sweaters in should work. Thanks again.

Originally Posted by silver creek

First, don't lick your fingers while tying with the raw fur. You don't know what can be carried on wild animals. Use a dampened sponge in a dish.

You can also hand wash the hair with some gentle soap and warm water. You will surprised at how much dirt comes out of the fur.