Regarding the vise. I have rethought this a bit. Even if you are't sure you want to learn to tie, you should spend the money on a Renzetti Traveler or a Regal (a model that allows rotation, don't recall the name). If you change your mind, you can sell them for very close to what you paid. We are talking $200.00 or a bit less depending on c -clamp or pedestal.
Although any number of tyers use cheap vises and are fine with them, I believe a high quality vise adds several levels of ease and pleasure to the activity. Some vises really are just a bit better than junk and it's a battle just to get a hook to hold well. That's the last thing you need as a new tyer and I imagine more new tyers give up without recognizing it was the frustration of the cheap vise that was the culprit.
Bobbin. Tiemco ceramic
Thread. 8/0 Uni. Get white and black as a minimum.
Hooks. Tiemco hooks. No point experimenting with false economy to save a few bucks on hooks. Cabelas brand hooks, from what I can tell, are rebranded Tiemco and can be bought on sale on occasion. When I say rebranded Tiemco, I don't mean the new Umpqua type that are 6 bucks for 50. Those are made in China or Korea, the Cabelas are made in Japan, like the Tiemco.
Half hitch tool. Used ink pen with ink cartridge removed.
Hackle Pliers. English style, medium. Tension is adjustable. Also doubles as a dubbing loop twirler very nicely and, I might add, is actually more convenient since you have a tool designed for wrapping around a hook already afixed where you want it. Medium size or heavier suggested for the weight if you want to do this. These things are cheap anyway, couple of bucks, so I also like a small pair for tiny flies.
This is just getting started.
