BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Crochet Tried Clover Arthritic Hook

Well I must just be a die hard Susan Bates hook lover, I didn't like the clover hook <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I also was not impressed with the wood brittany hook either, I must be a weirdo. I think that once you get use to something you just kinda stick with that one or I might be just too old to change, hehehehehehe. Give me your thoughts if you have tried a different hook and if you loved it or didn't like it.

I had used assorted different brands of hooks through the years (been crocheting 60 years), everything from Bates, Boyes, wooden, and plastic. But when I bought my first Graydog and got used to using it, I was hooked. They are absolutely wonderful, smooth and silky and have just the right balance and feel for my hands.

I had started another project with a metal (aluminim) hook and just couldn't use it. Frogged it and started over with a Graydog.

I know they are expensive but if you can afford it, try one and use it for awhile. I hope like me, you will find it the only hook to use.

Welcome Tessie, do you have the url for the greydog hooks ? Of course I would like to try one <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Graydog is a very nice hook, but the price is prohibitive. I have one and don't really plan to get more. You can only get them on EBay. What I use is www.//turn-of-the-century wooden hooks. They are every bit as nice as Greydog, but not nearly so expensive. They are styled in the manner and sizes of Boye, not in-line like Bates. Very smooth and comfortable to work with.

For the smaller sizes, I like my old Boye hooks. I am just not fond of the in-line hook style. I wrap the shaft of my steel hooks with size 5 pearl cotton for comfort as my older hands ache a bit now days if I work too much with them. I have a set of Susanne's steel hooks with plastic handles (rather much like Addi hooks, I believe, not the oversized handles like Clover). They are fairly comfortable and I use them occassionally. They change my tension as compared to the Boye hooks, which is really about the only reason I don't use them more. I also have a couple of Celtic Swan brass hooks. They are way too heavy. The two I have are the smaller sizes, "C" & "D", and are much heavier than steel hooks, though the balance is good. They are in-line hooks and I doubt I will get any more. They are also available on EBay.

Judy in Oregon

Eva, the graydog hooks can only be purchased through e-bay. Type graydog hooks in the search area.
They are expensive (usually $50 apiece, but I saw one go for $278.00, but that was a fluke. Some can be had for $30 or so), but for my hands well worth it. Aside from the fact they are beautiful. I have saved to buy them. Have several now.

WOW !
I didn't realise there wer so many different brands and kinds of hooks!
I'm going to have to do a little research. I must say, the Greydog hooks are way out of my price range (for now anyway) LOL. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

OMG $50.00 for a crochet hook.You got to be kidding. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I have purchase the brittany and bates, boyles, but my favorite hooks are the Skacel from Germany. The yarn shop I teach at gave me them to try and I love them. They are light :beamedup: and fit in your hands wonderfully they are well balanced and have a great grip. :love: I can't remember the price but I think they are about $5.00 or $6.00. They are worth they weight in gold. :kiss:

Eva: I can send you one to try and if ike like it I will pay the postage to you and if you don't like it then send it back to me and owe me nothing.

Thanks for your great newsletters. I just haven't had much time to get online. But I want to wish everyone a super Fourth of July. Anne

Thanks for the offer Anne but I think that I will just stick with my old hooks. Maybe I'm just too old to try something new, hehehehe.

I found some beautiful graydogs made from rosewood on Ebay for only $12. Thats more my price range. and though they are gorgous hooks, its seems one is just paying for the "fanciness". I like my $2 Boye hooks. However, I DID ask hubby for an entire set of brittany wood hooks for my birthday next week. we'll see.... Lovely instruments and tools are nice, but i'm a firm believer that beauty in a craft comes from the skill, techique and imagination of the crafter.

well..i have tried all the ones you have talked about... i have a greydog.. i have a whole set of brittany .. i have some from turn of the centruy... i have the lucite .. i have aluminum...they each have their uses... out of all the ones i have.. i was most disappointed in my brittany hooks.. i had drooled over them for a year and finally found them.. they are ok .. took ALOT of getting used to and i have found there are certain yarns that work better with them than others for me... my fave.... turn of the century ..hands down... LOVE those hooks.. i have every size even the super sized ones and he makes a between for the jump between P and Q.. Bill has great customer service and has made a couple "custom" items for me as well .. all reasonably priced.. however... as i said before the other hooks have their purposes also ... i have a favourite hook for every yarn i use..