Need help with hook sharpening

[wasabi_VA]

Never been impressed with my hook sharpening, but recently needed to touch up a bunch of medium to heavy wire jig hooks and just not getting them very sharp. I have this BearPaw brand stone and am sure it is my technique. This stone is 3-sided with 2 of the sides having a slot and 1 side just flat. I feel better using the flat side. Any suggestions for the right technique or even a totally different product?

 

[J Francho]

I use the exact same one. I only use the groove for a few passes to clean up the point at the end. 

[flyfisher]

Biggest thing I have found is people want to do too many passes.  It doesn't take many to get the point back.  Remember, it isn't needing to be Forged in Fire level blade sharp but that sticky point is what is most important.  

[wasabi_VA]

9 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I use the exact same one. I only use the groove for a few passes to clean up the point at the end. 

 

How are you running the tip down the groove? I run it forward and it seems to catch and I assume that isn't blunting the tip

[J Francho]

Almost parallel to the stone. There's got to be a video out there on this. I learned from an article in In-Fisherman like 40 years ago. 

[OkobojiEagle]

I free-hand the hook at 5 - 10 degrees to the stone.

 

oe

[Mobasser]

After you sharpen the hook, test it by running the point across your fingernail. If it slides across it's due. If it sticks easily it's sharp and ready to fish.

[SnaggedAgain]

I too have had issues with this until recently. I followed A-jay's recommendation and purchased one of the DMT fine stone sharpeners, https://www.dmtonlinestore.com/Diamond-Angler-Mini-Sharp-Sharpener-P38.aspx, this model specifically in the fine grit. This stone also has the groove but I seem to get better results running the hook on the flat, a few strokes on the right side of the hook, on the middle and the left side(done with the point facing away from you and pulling the point towards you. In my limited experience I think I had been using too much pressure while sharpening, I noticed once I lightened up I can get a very nice sticky point with just a few passes. Hope this helps. 

[Jig Man]

Get an EZE lap.

https://www.fishusa.com/Eze-Lap-Diamond-Hook-Sharpener/?sku=102878&gclid=CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncZwiTZfeUftOmAD5BV9ulOVYPzA8ArlRT5-atAcwmtElb6I-9JNduBoChmcQAvD_BwE

 

[J Francho]

I like the pen case on that. Looks good. 

[Alex from GA]

I use the diamond file on my Leatherman.  File with the point on all 4 sides at 45*.  Takes 30 seconds.

[bloom]

I also use the diamond file on my leatherman.  I sharpen 3 sides, one across the back and the other two kind of angled towards the point forming a triangle of sorts. Do an equal number of strokes per side maybe 5 or 6. The fingernail test mentioned earlier is what I go by to see if a hook needs sharpening or if it needs more sharpening.

[Reel]

The stone does a good job but I find that it's difficult to keep a good grip on it because it's small.  I prefer a diamond file like Dr. Slick.  The handle is bigger and the rubber/plastic coating makes it easy to hold.  Just a couple of passes and you're good to go.  

[Woody B]

I've got a smiths diamond knife sharpening stone.  It's got a hook groove but I don't use the groove much.  It's got a handle, and a cover that goes over it.  I've also got a small pair of needle nose vice grips I use to hold trebles with while sharpening.  

[Jig Man]

11 hours ago, J Francho said:

I like the pen case on that. Looks good. 

I have had the same one at the bow of boat for years.  I carried it in my shirt pocket when I wore shirts with pockets.  That little groove sharpens the hook in seconds.

[waymont]

17 hours ago, Jig Man said:

Get an EZE lap.

https://www.fishusa.com/Eze-Lap-Diamond-Hook-Sharpener/?sku=102878&gclid=CjwKCAjw6IiiBhAOEiwALNqncZwiTZfeUftOmAD5BV9ulOVYPzA8ArlRT5-atAcwmtElb6I-9JNduBoChmcQAvD_BwE

 

This one is my favorite too

[garroyo130]

As mentioned make passes almost parallel to the stone going against the hook point

 

3 with the shank left

3 with the shank right

 

Then flip it and give a couple of passes on the top

[scaleface]

Diamond file on Leatherman for me too . It usually just takes a few very light strokes to get the hook back to a   grab your thumbnail sharpness.