Flytyer,
Coming late to this discussion and maybe too late but still...
Tying saltwater flies requires a sturdy vice with a good grip on large hooks. And if you ask me ANY vice should be rotary along the axis of the hook shank! Some tyers disagree, but that's my personal opinion. Placing eyes, materials on all sides and working with epoxy, resins and hot melt glue is SO much easier with a truly rotating vice.
The White River Fly Shop Classic Vise does seem pretty lousy, and is most likely Indian or Chinese and very poor craftsmanship. Do not go down that path!
Aim higher and save yourself lots of frustrations and buying a new vice in a short time.
The Terra Rotary Vise looks more like it, but seems a bit tiny if you want to tie on larger hooks.
A vise like the DanVise New-Classic Vise (85 USD) is butt-ugly and clumsy looking, but most users seem happy with it.
Personally I would spend even more money now (saving later) and go for something like the Peak rotary (at 150 USD), and going into that league I'd spring the extra money and get a Renzetti Traveler (200 USD). The Renztti is a vise that will give you at least 10-20 years or more of unbroken service even if you tie a lot. And it works!
Apart from that you need good scissors and a good ceramic bobbin holder as the most critical items. All else is cheap and can be bought cheaply and upgraded as you go.
DO NOT get tempted by kits (unless they are from brand names like CFC or Griffin). They are far east junkyard knockoffs and not worth a dime. Buy your tools one at the time or make them yourself.
Needles, velcro, electronic clips, razor blades and such will bring you far.
Hope this helps
Martin
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