HMH has been building precision-machined rotary fly tying vises since 1975, longer than anyone else. Vises come and go, but for nearly 30 years, HMH vises have been giving tyers years of dependable service.

Bill Hunter, the first maker of the HMH vise, believed that a tying vise should be "a tool, not a toy". So he designed the original HMH vises using top quality materials, had them machined to stringent tolerances, and designed into them features never before found together in one tool - 360o rotation with an exclusive disc drag rotary tension adjustment; and fast, easy-to-change jaws so that any hook could be tied with minimal effort. The individually-numbered Limited Edition Premium vise (now a collector's item) also incorporated an adjustable head angle so any hook could be set at the optimum level and angle for the most comfortable, and hence, best tie.

In 2000, HMH re-introduced the vise line with some significant improvements. HMH re-designed the chassis, increasing its length, and tightened up tolerances to give the collet more support. And HMH built in a permanently lubricated bearing system. The results are very nice -- better rotation and better balance for the vise, both physically and esthetically. HMH also re-designed the Spartan vise so it is more versatile, stronger, and affordable.

HMH is very proud that their vises are acquired by professional tyers, teachers, and production tyers are still working hard and well for those tyers, even after decades of service. HMH vises are also used in commercial tying houses around the world. Why? Not because they're a dime a dozen. Rather, the owners of Idylwilde Flies, Solitude Fly Co., Pacific Fly Group, and Aerojig know that they will only need to buy a vise once, not every six months. HMH's simply don't wear out. Well…, Pacific Fly Group did return one jaw, a little worn, after it had tied more than 150,000 flies. We gave it a new edge and sent it back; haven't heard from them since.

HMH admits that its not necessarily an easy thing to get a hold of an HMH. Many of the finer things in life are like that. But HMH will do everything they can to help you get one, and are confident that you will be pleased and proud to own the vise that set the standard for quality 30 years ago.

How Old is My HMH?

The following information will help you identify your vise model, and determine when and where your vise was manufactured. This is interesting information, but it also can be very important to know if you're buying accessories for your older vise models. As always, if you have any questions, we love talking about old HMH's. Give HMH a call or send an email and they will help you out.

1975-6 through mid-1981: A fixed angle, rotary vise. Jaw and drawbar system. Cam lever says 'HMH New Boston NH, Pat. Pending'. Manufactured in New Boston by Bill Hunter.

1981 - 1994. Vises manufactured by API. Cam lever says: 'HMH API'. Chassis redesigned with two set screws to give adjustable head angle. Original Spartan vise introduced ca. 1985, a 1/3 scale model of HMH Standard vises, built on 5/16" dia. standrod and with a one-piece jaw. HMH II introduced in late 1980's, with one-piece jaw system.

1994– 2004. Vises manufactured by Kennebec River Fly & Tackle Co. Cam levers say 'HMH—KRFTC'. In 2000, Spartan re-designed to standard 3/8" dia. standrod and jaw/drawbar system. Also in 2000, Standard and Spartan models have new, larger chassis with 'HMH'. Beginning in 2004, cam levers have only 'HMH'.