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I own (and fish) silk lines of all 3 makes referred to in the previous posts (Phoenix, Thebault, Terenzio). In my view the quality of all those lines is excellent, allthough I would pick my choice in the order that I quoted them.

The biggest surprise to me was the results I was able to get from restoring a vintage silk line that I once purchased from fellow board member Matt Schliske (aka germanbrown).
During the process of that restauration I had the great luck to be introduced to Dr. Wolfram Schott who wrote that well known article referred to in Bob´s (joaniebo) previous post in this thread. Mr. Schott should be one of the most knowlegeable living individuals when it comes to silk lines and how to treat them. Even better, from what I can tell, he is willingly sharing his wisdom with others.
I asked him for some advice and received plenty. I then did exactly what he recommended and the line turned out simply spectacular. The reactions I received from friends who saw the line were between disbelieve and euphoria.

The actual procedure is pretty far away from the well known Reed Curry recipe and I am convinced far superior to it though also a good bit more time-consuming. It actually took me close to a year to get the line done but that´s mostly because I spend too much time at my office desk (sad...) and even more time with my family (lucky...).
If you are only limited to the drying periods in between the various coats of (fast drying) linseed oil, you may get the full job done in a couple of weeks.
You will end up with a fantastic line and a much better understanding of why silk lines really ARE worth so much more than the industrial plastic lines. It´s a craft and thus you create REAL value. (Since I worked on my line, I have a very hard time spending more than a handfull of $ on any plastic line).

So, if you can spend the dough and want the swish of silk fast, go for a Phoenix or Thebault or Terenzio. If you are on a budget, if you are willing to spend the ellbow grease, and if you really want to get behind the secrets of silk, go get yourself an old line (let it be sticky but watch out for structural damage and missing ends...) and DIY!!!

Best wishes from Germany,
Andy

Mike,

PM sent!

Andy

Gentlemen,

as I keep getting request for the DIY restoration recipe that I referred to in my previous post, I have to underline the fact that this is not "my" method but a method that Dr. Wolfram Schott generously disclosed to me when I asked him for advice.

It is important to me that credit/honor is given to whom it´s due here.

Good luck with your silk projects!

Andy