A whip finisher is a knot tying tool for a fly tier. This tool is very easy to use but still seems to mystify many out there. To learn how to use a whip finisher click here.
A whip finish is a great way to finish a fly with a knot and not need to add head cement to the fly. Unlike a series of half hitch knots, a properly executed whip finish should not come apart.
Although a whip finish knot can be accomplished by using fingers, in some cases the tool comes in handy; for example, when trying to finish the fly where there is a lot of material near the hook eye. A parachute style fly is a perfect example of this. Using the tool in one hand and holding back the fibers in the other can make fishing these difficult flies easier.
Lauren Lehigh uses a whip finishing tool while demonstrating her flies at The Fly Fishing Show in Denver
Whip finish tools come in many shapes and sizes. In general smaller tools are great for more delicate, small flies and the larger tools work great for large flies.