Product Review: Abel Line Nippers

If the US military wanted nippers, they'd probably order these. They really are that tough. But are they good?

If I had to use one word to give you my first impression of these nippers, it would be "heavy". That is not necessarily the first thing the average fisherman looks for in a fly fishing tool, but there it is. Luckily that is only based on relative comparisons. They are heavy compared to any other nippers I have ever owned. But let's face it. They are just nippers. They really don't weight that much. In fact, at 0.7 ounces, a single stamp would cover their postage.

So, when you consider fly fishing gear, how much are you willing to pay for a pair of nippers? Abel is pretty proud of these, and I don't blame them, but if you haven't priced these before, get ready. The solid color models are $50. And if you want the graphic finish nippers, they go for $100 each. Now, assuming you are still conscious, that you didn't just choke on something and are waiting for the Heimlich maneuver to be performed, and that you aren't laughing hysterically, we can proceed. Otherwise, when you have recovered, please join the rest of us at the next paragraph.

OK, so that's the bad news. Here's the good news. You might actually decide they are a good buy. You might actually buy them. I only say that, because I did. When I first saw these nippers, it was an on-line listing, and I thought, right... you've got to be kidding. Nippers are cheap. Who needs nippers fit for a king? Then I walked into a fly shop and saw them in person. I thought, well, those are nice, but who needs nippers built like they were made to go to the moon or on a mission with Navy Seals? And then I wore out my next three pairs of nippers in a single season. When I started thinking about how many nippers I've worn out over my lifetime so far, I began to think maybe this wasn't such a bad deal after all.

So what are they like, really? First of all, they feel really nice in the hand. There is not a hint of clicking from the jaws engaging poorly as cheap nippers frequently do. In fact, many mid priced ($15 to $20) models tend to click too. The Abel nippers open and close smoothly, and when the jaws close, they are precisely aligned. Abel rates them to cut 7x tippet to 100 lb test in either mono or braided line. That is quite a range, and more impressive when you consider that they cut braided as well. Cheaper nippers have been known to gnaw on braided lines like a dog chewing rawhide only getting through after thoroughly mangling the line. Mine actually do a fine job on 8x mono, but don't tell Abel.

Additionally, instead of the little pointy finger poker that always seems to want a little blood when you grab them wrong that most nippers sport to clean hook eyes, the hook eye cleaning pin on the Abel nippers is inside the jaw. You can see it in the side image of the nippers. The pin sinks into a recess on the opposite jaw, giving it sufficient penetration to clean out a cement filled eye easily, but without any chance of contacting your fingertip. I would have bought mine the first time I saw them if I had known that. I only like to get stuck with hooks or fish teeth; not nippers. And if you damage or wear the jaws? I have been told that they can be sharpened, but Abel does not mention that on their website or with the included information card. They do mention that they offer replacement jaws, and that they are free for the first two years. I get the idea that there is little demand for replacement jaws so far, as they do not specifically appear as a for-purchase accessory in any Abel literature or on the website.

So, what's wrong with the Abel nippers, other than a slightly larger than usual dent in the wallet (for nippers)? There is one thing that I was disappointed in with my nippers. While the overall impression of the nippers is that they are exquisitely finished, mine have excessive machining lines on them. If they were fine consistent lines I would simply dismiss that as part of the machining "fingerprint" of CNC machinery for most items, even high quailty ones, but the machining lines are surprisingly inconsistent. I am being picky here, and I would not want you to think that they look cheap. But honestly, I expected more, even for only $50, considering that this is a product that carries a such a revered name. If you want to see how picky I am, look carefully at the blow-up of the red nippers in the edge on shot. The red ones are mine, the gun-metal blue ones belong to a close friend of mine. His are machined beautifully, but mine are a little rough by comparison.

Still, considering that, I would rate the Abel nippers a 9.5 out of 10, with the nearest competitor I've ever seen at a 5 out of 10 by comparison. They really are that good. And I don't regret spending the money on mine. I would not be surprised to get a lifetime of use out of them.