I met Jack a time or two. He was as practical as he was creative.

https://www.jackgartside.com/art_pheasant_feathers.htm

I don't know if there is a definite answer but there is this: https://books.google.com/books?id=BvxIAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=ogden+on+fly+tying&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjxoaLPhoziAhVQA6wKHTNjD8kQuwUIKDAA#v=onepage&q=vice&f=false The jeweler's or clock maker's hand vis...

I like using one of these for scraping thin skins like with birds or rabbits.


http://www.dexterrussellcutlery.com/dex ... 0-s2592sc/

If anyone bought some cobbler's wax from feathersmc in the last month or so send me a pm or email.

I've never used any of Jim's wax but what I would do is soften it in your hand and pull and stretch it like taffy. If it is still difficult to work you could add a little oil or fat; very little.

I’m surprised that no one has brought this up yet (unless I missed it).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snipe_hunt

Harold Howorth’s Henthorn Purple uses teal lesser coverts as a substitute for snipe. He found them to be more durable.

The last time I saw “Borger Color System” it was $50. You don’t see a copy available very often. That’s the downside.

I would grab it!

Gary Borger book "Designing Trout Flies" has a section detailing the colors of feathers on a number different game birds. He has diagrams showing the locations where you can find the various feathers on a bird. One downside is the colors are keyed to the "Borger Color System". Ye...