Golden Fleece Combs

Wool combs prepare fibre for the production of a worsted yarn. They do this by aligning the fibres and removing the short bits and second cuts of the fleece.  At the same time, combing removes most of the foreign matter and vegetation.  The fibre must be dry and clean of lanolin.  Wool is attached to one comb and then transferred to the other by a series of strokes at a ninety-degree angle with the second comb. The transfer puts the long fibres on the second comb and when no more can be transferred the short fibres and vegetation are removed from the tines of the first comb and discarded.  The fibre is then drawn off using a diz to produce a beautiful “top” that spins into a worsted yarn.

Golden Fleece combs are sturdy and made to last.  They weigh 145 grams/ 5.1 ounces.  Tines are 6.5cm across or 2 1/2 inches.  Tine length is 6.5cm/2 1/2 inches.  Overall length is 20cm or 8 inches.  This pair of combs includes a thick leather cover.