The Renzetti Master is the top of Renzetti's line of true-rotary vises. The Master's jaws are lever-type with a cam lock-up. Adjustment between hook wire diameters is accomplished with a thumbscrew located toward the tip of the jaws such that during lock-up, jaw closure is parallel. Some tiers find that the thumbscrew location interferes with some tying techniques, but I never found it intrusive.

The vise is constructed of machined aluminum and brass with tool steel jaws and the design concept that is clearly versatility. The angle of the arm that holds the jaws assembly is adjustable in order to obtain perfect alignment of the hook shank on the axis of rotation although this can be accomplished between a range of hook sizes by simply locating the hook at the appropriate spot in the jaws. A range of Renzetti accessories is available.

The arm with which one rotates the vise (the "rotary actuator" in Renzetti-speak) is mounted on a one-way roller bearing so that the vise may be turned by pumping the arm through an acute angle, rather than turning the arm through 360 degrees. The utility of this feature is a mystery to me, but the arm can also be locked into position by tightening a knurled knob at the rear of the vise. Tension adjustment on the rotary function is accomplished with a separate thumb screw at the vise barrel.

A clever material clip, consisting of a spring mounted on a brass arm, can be swung into position for use, or tucked out of the way when not in use. It works well.

The vise is available with C-clamp or pedestal, both of which are well made, though the optional "saltwater" pieces should be considered to provide additional stability if large flies or hair bugs are commonly tied.

The Renzetti Master is among the best in the world, and at a $630 suggested retail price, it should be. My only criticism of the vise is that much of the cost must be related to features which complicate the design for negligible gains in function, but if maximum versatility is your goal, and cost is no obstacle, this vise is in a class by itself.