Here’s what we like about Abel’s Model #2 pliers.

• This size is really versatile. They’re great for anything from trout tosalmon to bonefish.  The larger size might be better for offshore fishing or for taking the fly out of the mouth of a toothy ‘cuda.  The #2s are small enough to fit easily into your wader pouch 
• The cutters are awesome. The alignment on the blades is excellent and they’re super sharp.  They cut light tippets, heavy mono and even single strand wire really really well.
• They’re great for de-barbing hooks. The tips on the jaws are very narrow and the ‘pinching surfaces’ between the tips are flat – pinching down barbs on small trout hooks is easy.  Big, burly saltwater pliers often have grooved tips which can make it hard to de-barb smaller flies.  De-barbing larger hooks with these Abel #2s is a piece of cake too.
• The jaws are replaceable. If you fish so much that you wear out the jaws (lucky you, if that’s the case), you can replace them for $20.
• They’re made really well. The ‘action’ is smooth and consistent.  The machining is beautiful.  They feel really good in your hand.  If you appreciate a solid piece of fishing gear, you’ll like these pliers.