Hi Richard,
Might have been me that mentioned Lathkill's excellent service on here ?
Chris is a top bloke, absolutely dead gen and the service is first rate - always with you the next day and he doesn't charge as much as some for postage ! I buy 90% of my hooks from him for the reasons you give. Best range of flytying materials in the UK IMO and the stock levels are 'live' and clearly shown.
Cheers,
Lindsay