Hook sharpening

[birdhunter]

I know this sounds really simple but because it is so important, I thought I would ask, what is the best way to sharpen a hook and what do you use?

[Andaman Andy]

Kinda like asking what is the best knot, everyone has their own way
For heavy hooks 9/0 up i use a regular small file triangulating the point, for lighter gauge regular hooks i use a Donmar Big game hook sharpener, this gets the job done with a couple of passes.

[Capt_John]

I like just a flat hook file for my smaller hooks,and a bigger metal file for my larger hooks. However, if you have to sharpen lots of big hooks at once(a pack at a time) I use a good ole' bench grinder.

[MakoMike]

I use a simple 6 inch mill ******* file.

[PurpleGold]

I just use a regular metal file. Takes a little time but thats how I have been able to get my hooks the sharpest. Once you get a technique down, you can start doing it quicker.

[BTH284]

Single cut ******* file. Narrow enough to cover all sides of the hook point and not catch an edge of the file on the shank of the hook. Not sure about the grade of the grit. But it is enough the get the hook metal to "roll" off little shavings with each pass.

[WAHOONBOX]

GREAT TOPIC HERE! IT IS A PATIENT ART HERE...THIS ART CALLED SHARP HOOKS

I PRACTICE REGULARLY MYSELF TO FINE TUNE MY HOOKS AND STILL WISH I COULD TUNE ONE UP LIKE THE BEAST DOES..

I PREFER A #10 ******* FILE.......10 INCH


I WAS TAUGHT TO USE THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE FILE AND CONCENTRATE ON DA TIP!

ANDAMAN.....I WILL TRY YOUR FILE STYLE WHEN I CAN GET ONE....THANKS

[JimH]

I've always used a file like the others here. I was taught to cut a triangle shape into the point. How about other methods?

[Bite Me]

Andy, you can get two 1/4" rat tail files. You can find them in the Chain Saw section of the hardware store, they are used to sharpen chain saws.

Tape them together at either end with electrical tape and bingo, bango, bongo you have a hook sharpener just like the one pictured.

Advantages to both methods, the round file method will actualy get you a cutting edge on the back side of the hook as well. but the ******* lets you really tune that point.
When the BOX or the Beast are done with a hook, it's hard to even look at them without your eyes bleeding.

[birdhunter]

I have been filing an edge on the front side of the hook like a cutting edge and then a few strokes around the point to make the tip sharp. What is more important a sharp tip or a good cutting edge.