When the Dan-vise (aka Danica vise) hit the market, it heralded a dramatic departure from traditional thought: vises are made of metal. While initially greeted with skepticism, this part metal (jaws, stem) part black Delrin, low price ($80) vise has stood the test of time and has acquired an ever-growing band of enthusiastic users.

The list of features it brings to the table can only be described as impressive: true rotary cam operated design, high quality tool steel jaws capable of securely holding hooks from #2/0 down to the smallest the tier can handle, optional saltwater jaws for hooks up to #9/0 ($32), rear handle crank, and a flexible C-clamp which can handle tabletops up to a whopping 6½".

The Dan-vise is compact and because the Delrin components tend to be somewhat bulkier than equivalent metal components, I found access to the back of smaller hooks a little cramped. Using the crank to rotate the vise works well, but it is a little noisy.

The stem has a diameter of 10mm, rather than the standard 3/8", which may make finding and fitting accessories somewhat awkward.

The Dan-vise represents a terrific value. It is a very sound tying tool and it has proven to be very durable. The concept of a vise mostly made out of Delrin may put some tiers off and while the Dan-vise may never win any design awards, it is the vise to beat in the sub-$100 class.