...as with the advancing years taking their toll, it has now become increasingly difficult to tie knots properly.
I would buy one, but the prices asked now are just ridiculous..£179...£145 (for one with a chipped lens) is not worth it, but ten minutes spent trying to water-knot two pieces of line together because you cannot see what you are doing was the last straw so with a few pieces of brass rod and strip, plus some spring wire and a 2" lens that I have had in my toolbox since I don't know when, this is my own copy. The lens bezel mount was made from bronze, in two parts, the lens being held captive between them. Everything was made on the Myford plus 'Amolco' milling attachment.
The poor quality blacking was semi-intentional so that it doesn't look too new. The lens has a 3x magnification and is great for tying hooks or flies on..
The lens stays upright or folded down by means of a piece of spring steel behind the hinge point; the cross-member helps to stop it swinging about on the coat. The pin is made from stainless steel spring wire.
I don't know anything about the gentleman but "I am indebted to both Hardy Bros. and Major Wardle for his excellent idea!"
wm+
