Here’s a quick video on how to use one of fly tying’s most iconic tools. It might seem intimidating to a beginner, but it’s actually quite easy to use if you follow these simple steps. On a side note, while they come in various designs, my favorite is this style because they rotate freely and last forever. I use the standard for general fly tying and the extended reach version for tenkara sakasa kebari.
Some time ago, while I was trying to learn to use the whip finisher the hooks became to expensive to use for practice and time consuming to unwrap. I found that #18 brad nails worked fine. The head acted line the hook eye and they fit in the vise just fine. They are cheap, a box of 100 or so is only a buck or two.