The Hareline Ceramic Zirconia Dubbing Rake is an essential tool for any fly-tying enthusiast. Dubbing creates the body of an artificial fly using soft, fluffy material. A dubbing rake is used to tease and blend the fibers of natural hair and fur, making it easier to work with. A ceramic zirconia rake is an upgraded version that comes with several advantages over traditional rakes.
One of the main advantages of this Hareline dubbing rake is its durability. They are made using high-quality ceramic material that is scratch-resistant, meaning it can withstand a lot of wear and tear over time. Additionally, their ceramic construction makes them easy to clean and maintain, as opposed to traditional metal or plastic rakes that can rust or break over time.
Ceramic zirconia rakes are also very effective at creating perfectly blended fly bodies. Teasing apart the fibers of the dubbing material can be a challenge, but the ceramic tips of the rake allow for efficient and thorough blending. This means fly-tying enthusiasts can create evenly distributed bodies that closely mimic the natural appearance of insects or other prey species.
Designed to rake underfur and cut guard hair at the same time, if you own a Hare’s Mask or fur of any kind, this rake is a must-have tool and belongs on every tying bench. Depending on the angle of the rake, you can increase or decrease the amount of underfur or guard hair that it accumulates. You can even rake a moleskin or an actual Hare’s Ear. Comes in a hard case.
Does a ceramic rake require special care?
Fortunately, caring for a Hareline ceramic zirconia dubbing rake is fairly straightforward and doesn't require any special or complicated maintenance routines. These tools are built to last and can stand up to repeated use without becoming dull or worn down. However, it's important to note that rough handling or dropping a ceramic zirconia dubbing rake can cause it to break or chip, so it's important to handle this tool with care.
Cleaning and storing your ceramic rake properly is also essential for preserving its quality. After use, it's important to clean any remaining dubbing or debris from the rake with warm water and mild soap. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly to remove any leftover soap residue. Once clean, store your ceramic zirconia dubbing rake in the included hard case.
How do you use a ceramic rake?
This tool is designed to create a realistic, fuzzy texture on the fly's surface by pulling out fibers from the dubbing material. First, you need to select the dubbing material that you want to use. This could be anything from natural animal hair to synthetic fibers.
Once you have your chosen material, you might want to run it through a hair stacker to get completely even ends before you apply it to the thread of the hook. You can then use the rake to create a textured surface on the material. This is done by gently running the rake over the surface of the material and pulling out small amounts of fibers to create a fuzzy appearance.
