MidCurrent Tested and Trusted: Dr. Slick Mitten Scissor Clamp

July 23, 2025 By: Kubie Brown

The Dr. Slick Mitten Scissor Clamp does the work of several other tools, and it’s built to last. Photo: Kubie Brown

One of the things that’s always frustrated me about fly fishing are all the doohickies available. From hook removers to leader straighteners, to line clippers, it feels like being prepared for the river means having an entire toolbox of fly-fishing thingamajigs and gadgets. Anglers attach all these tools to their person with multiple zingers on their vests and bags so that they jingle along the water like one of Santa’s reindeer.

While carrying this collection of small, jangling instruments has always been a part of the sport, I had always wished that some company somewhere would create a decent multitool—something that wasn’t too heavy or complicated that could be carried in a convenient spot, so I wouldn’t have to dig around in my pockets to find it. Over the years, I’ve tried a few different types and brands, but it wasn’t until I picked up Dr. Slick’s Mitten Scissor Clamp that I found exactly what I was looking for.

The jaws are great for removing and debarbing hooks, the little spike will clear the eye of a fly, and the scissors cut tippets, hackle, and more. Photo: Kubie Brown

A Thousand Uses

Unlike other multitools, which weren’t designed with fly fishing in mind, the Mitten Scissor Clamp was designed by fly anglers for fly anglers. Intended for a myriad of tasks, the Mitten Clamp is ideal for crushing barbs, removing hooks from fish (or from yourself), opening and closing split shot, cutting leader and tippet, and more.

The clamp’s jaw structure is designed in two parts—the tip is a hardened, narrow clamp that works just like a hemostat, and the lower half is a sharp pair of cross-hatch shears that cuts through lines easily. The base of the jaws also comes with a small pin, which is ideal for clearing the eyes of hooks, opening stubborn split shot, or any other poking task you need to perform streamside. Best of all, the clamp also has a locking mechanism, allowing you to clip it to a convenient spot on your shirt for easy access, though it also comes with a lanyard for wrapping around your wrist or securing to your pack.

Dr. Slick Mitten Scissor Clamp also comes in a variety of sizes. The shorter 4.75-inch clamp has smaller and lighter jaws, making it perfect for small stream work. The 5.5-inch clamp has larger and heavier jaws and is great for any big-fish task you need to do.

Just clip your Mitten Clamp wherever it’s convenient and accessible, and you’re ready to roll. Photo: Kubie Brown

Durable and Portable

Other multitools I’ve used in the past have lasted about a quarter of the fishing season. As a guide, I fish so much—constantly clipping, crimping, and cutting things—that these lesser tools eventually just fell apart from continuous use. However, I’ve had the same Dr. Slick Mitten Scissor Clamp for several years now. It hasn’t broken, rusted, or dulled thanks to their stainless-steel material and black oxidized finish. In short, the Dr. Slick clamp is built to last, and one pair is all you’ll ever need.

The final thing that really separates the Dr. Slick clamp from the competition is its portability. The wrist lanyard comes with its own clip for easy attachment to your vest or bag. But the locking mechanism allows you to clip your the clamp almost anywhere—your shirt, hat, pack, or net—so that you can always have it close at hand.

The clamp is available in two sizes and colors, and it comes with a bungee lanyard attached.

The Right Tool For Every Job

You’d think that with all their uses and durability that the Dr. Slick Mitten Scissor Clamp would cost as much as those trendy over-the-top $100 nippers. However, you can have your very own Dr. Slicks Mitten Scissor Clamp for between $24.00 and $28.00 depending on the size and color. This makes it one of the very best deals in fly fishing, as it will not only last for years, but will also allow you to save money because you won’t need to buy a bunch of other doohickeys. The Dr. Slick Mitten Scissor Clamp is available from online retailers and fly shops. Click here for the dealer nearest you.

Click here for more info about the Dr. Slick Mitten Scissor Clamp