These Abel Nippers have become quite controversial in recent years. I have met some folks who are downright angry that Abel is charging such a high price for these nippers. I will admit they aren’t for everyone. Just like a really nice watch or necklace isn’t for everyone. They cost a lot of money and there’s no reason that a cheaper option won’t work instead.
However, for folks looking to buy a nipper that will definitely last a lifetime – the Abel nipper is it. It is machined out of the highest grade 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and hand-anodized for an extremely durable and beautiful finish. I like to think of the Abel nipper as a collector's item. As long as you don’t lose it, it will be in your gear quiver for a lifetime.
The new nipper combines high functionality with an aesthetically pleasing design. It features dual hook-eye cleaners, replaceable cutter jaws, ergonomic improvements, and innovative magnetic elements that prevent corrosion and improve usability.
Despite the price, I think serious fly fisherman should consider this nipper. When you think of all the cheap nippers you’ve bought over the years, wouldn’t it be nice to have a lifelong nipper? An indestructible cutting machine that will never go bad? That is the Abel nipper.
This article will cover the pros and cons of this nipper, and give an honest insight into the durability of it. I have had mine for almost 5 years, and it is still going strong.
Introduction to Abel Nippers
Abel Nippers in Fly Fishing
Abel Nippers is a high-end line of nippers designed for anglers who demand the best. Introduced in 2007, the Abel Nipper set the standard for high-end nippers with its innovative design and exceptional performance. Unlike traditional cutter-and-anvil nippers, the Abel Nipper features dual cutting surfaces, providing a consistently sharp surface capable of cutting various types of fishing lines, including 8X tippet and braid. This unique design ensures that the Abel Nipper remains a reliable tool in any angler’s kit, making it a worthy investment for those serious about their
fly fishing gear.
The Stainless Steel Jaws On Abel Nippers
Now, I won’t lie here, the jaw blades are definitely not as sharp as they were 5 years ago. However, they still cut any size of
tippet with ease. I find that they do struggle a bit with 6x tippet. Sometimes it can take a couple tries to get a clean cut. They will cut down to 7x tippet, but if I have to fish 7x then I don’t want to be out fishing. The dual cutting surfaces versus the traditional cutter-and-anvil design provide superior performance, making clean cuts more efficiently.
The jaw blades really perform when it comes to cutting heavy tippet. 100-pound fluorocarbon is a cakewalk for these blades. The Abel nipper is a worthy choice for saltwater and big game fly fishermen. Crucible CPM S35VN stainless steel makes up the blade's construction. It is some pretty hardcore stuff. The dual cutting surfaces offer a significant advantage over the cutter and anvil design, ensuring better functionality for cutting various materials.
Abel will replace the blades for a reasonable fee, but I just haven’t got around to it yet. They still work pretty darn well, and I don’t feel like sending them back and waiting a while for the repair.
The Type III Anodized Bodies On Abel Nippers
I opted for the brown trout finish. I love brown trout, and I'm pretty sure every fly fisherman does. The cost for the fish finish was $185 back when I bought these. That's a good chunk of money for a nipper! However, it is now a whopping $335 if you want a premium finish on your Abel nipper. Solid colors aren't cheap either, and a regular color will cost you $270. This isn't just Abel being holier-than-thou; hyperinflation is real in the fly fishing industry. Some item's prices have gone up astronomically for this coming season.
Over the years, the finish has held up pretty well. It definitely looks more tarnished now, with lots of little micro scratches that have started to fade the finish a bit. There have been no big scratches that seriously affect the look, though. They look well used, but the colors still pop.
The hand anodization of the aluminum is a very permanent process. It isn't just a paint job like some people think. It is very hard to remove once the nipper is anodized using Abel's special technique.
So I'm fine if my nippers have some battle scars. It just proves that they've been with me on every fishing excursion since I got them.
The Dual Hook Eye Cleaners On Abel Nippers
This is a handy feature that lots of nippers have nowadays. Lots of commercial flies come with some glue in the hook eye. It just happens. The eye cleaner is designed to remove the glue so you can get the tippet tied to your fly.
I have found the Abel Nipper eye cleaner is very fragile. The tip tends to bend or break pretty quickly. This happened early on, and I have seen it happen on other Abel nippers. This is disappointing since the rest of the nipper is so durable. It makes me wonder why the eye cleaner breaks so easily.
Obviously, Abel would repair this for me. They have great customer service, and they would happily take care of it. However, I don't think this is an isolated incident. I think how they are built allows the eye cleaner to snap easily. I'm not convinced that getting it repaired would solve the problem. It would probably just break again.
Luckily, I have an eye cleaner on my fishing forceps, so it hasn't been too much of an issue. I wish Abel would acknowledge this problem – having such a flimsy piece on a nice nipper is unacceptable.
The Spring
The spring mechanism still works great. After you cut your tippet, they open right up just like they're supposed to. Abel makes all of their parts in-house, so I never doubted that the spring would keep working.
If it ever fails, Abel will definitely warranty it – but I have a feeling that the spring could last a very long time.
The Abel Nipper Lanyard
Abel does make a
lanyard that accompanies the nippers quite well. I did opt for it, and it has held up well. Some people use a flyline lanyard for their nipper, which can work.
I wanted the complete kit, and the Abel lanyard was a good choice. A strong paracord with aluminum parts makes me confident that it won't fail me.
The cost of the lanyard is $25, which is pretty reasonable considering it has aluminum components. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Abel also jacks the price on this.
Performance and Functionality
The Abel Nipper is the premier cutting tool for anglers, offering unparalleled performance and functionality. Its dual cutting surfaces ensure a clean and precise cut every time, while the stainless steel jaws provide a durable and long-lasting cutting surface. One standout feature is the magnetic fly dock, which allows for easy attachment and detachment of flies, making it a convenient and efficient tool for anglers. The threading groove and dual hook eye cleaners also simplify the process of threading lines and cleaning hook eyes, enhancing the fishing experience. With these features, the Abel Nipper proves itself an indispensable tool for any serious angler.
Comparison to Other Nippers
The Abel Nipper stands out from other nippers on the market due to its unique design and exceptional performance. Unlike traditional cutter-and-anvil nippers, the Abel Nipper features dual cutting surfaces that provide a consistently sharp surface capable of cutting various types of fishing lines. This makes it the only nipper that can consistently cut through sturdy braids and other types of lines. Abel Nipper’s magnetic fly dock and replaceable stainless steel hook eye cleaners make it a more convenient and efficient tool for anglers. These features and its superior cutting ability set the Abel Nipper apart as the top choice for discerning anglers.
Durability and Build Quality
The Abel Nipper is built to last, with a durable and high-quality construction that withstands the rigors of frequent use. The type III anodized bodies provide a corrosion-resistant finish, ensuring the nipper remains in top condition even after extensive use. The stainless steel jaws and hook eye cleaners offer a long-lasting cutting surface, while the opposing rare earth magnets that keep the jaws open provide a secure and reliable closure system. Overall, the Abel Nipper is a high-end nipper that is built to provide years of reliable service, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious angler.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Abel Nipper
To get the most out of your Abel Nipper, follow these tips:
- Always clean and dry your nipper after use to prevent corrosion and maintain its performance.
- Use the threading groove to thread lines and the dual hook eye cleaners to clean hook eyes.
- Take advantage of the magnetic fly dock to easily attach and detach flies.
- Regularly inspect and replace the stainless steel jaws and hook eye cleaners as needed.
- Store your nipper in a dry place to prevent corrosion and maintain its performance.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Abel Nipper continues to provide exceptional performance and functionality for years to come.
Conclusion
Overall, I have been very pleased with my Abel nippers. They are reliable (minus the eye cleaner) and have been with me for hundreds of days on the water.
The price was high back in 2016, and many people laughed at it and walked away. With the shocking sticker price here in 2022, I don't think I would buy them again. $335 is just insane for a nipper. You can opt for the standard black finish, but that is still going to cost you $250. You can buy a decent fly reel for less than that!
The Abel Nipper is becoming more and more of a cult collector's item. If I bought another pair today, I think I would be too nervous to even take them fishing with me.
However, for folks who have money to spend and want the best gear possible, the Abel nipper is the holy grail of nippers. That is just the way it is.
