For many years, there was a significant price gap between the many inexpensive vises which were available, and the low end of the high quality tools. Tiers had a choice of picking up a functional, but oftentimes poorly constructed $40 vise, or saving up to take the $300 plunge.

Dyna-King Kingfisher

At the time of our original review, there were relatively few vises in the $50-100 range which were any better than a $15 Third World Thompson knock-off. (A notable exception was the very functional Danvise true rotary--but something in me recoils from a plastic tool.) The Anvil Apex, which we did review, came tantalizing close to providing a high quality vise in the $100 range, but in the end, it failed to impress.

The Kingfisher is Dyna-King's version of an entry-level vise, available in either C-clamp or pedestal models. The standrod on the pedestal model is approximately 5" in height, while the c-clamp model provides a 6 ½" standrod for additional height adjustment. The pedestal base is relatively light, and has a footprint of 3 ½" x 5". The standrod simply screws into the base. The provided c-clamp has a gap of 2 ½", with a usable gap of 1 7/8". A larger C-clamp which will accommodate tabletops of up to 3" is available from D-K.

Head angle is non-adjustable, but the jaws rotate within their housing. The jaws are the same push collet, double hook pocket design of other D-K vises, of similar size to the Barracuda Jr. Trekker. Lock up is with the familiar notched cam design. Midge jaws are available at a suggested price of $39, and highly recommended if your tying commonly takes you to hook sizes of 18 and smaller. A spring-type material clip is included.

The Kingfisher is stainless, and fit and finish are first rate.

Because of the relatively small size of the pedestal base, I would not select this model as my primary bench vise, as it is not stable enough for flies or tying techniques which require heavy thread tension, especially on large, long shank hooks. However, the c-clamp model resolves those problems quite nicely.

Verdict:
This is a simple, elegantly finished, well-built tool. It is small and light enough to use as a traveling vise and, in C-clamp model, will perform adequately as a primary bench vise for the trout and light saltwater tier. I've seen no other traditional vise which can match the fit, finish and functionality at this price. For tiers looking to make the upgrade to a high quality, traditional vise, this one is worth a hard look.

The Kingfisher carried a suggested retail price of $129.