Seymo Oilstone/Hook Sharpener

An oilstone that folds into a plastic case and costing a mere three quid. Not much there to write about that’s for sure, except that it’s a smooth, good quality stone and that it could be one of the most important items you own. You should have one in your tackle box.

In this day of chemically sharpened hooks you wouldn’t think you’d need a hook sharpener, and anyhow, it’s doesn’t cost a fortune to change a blunted hook for a new, sharp one.

But the trouble with chemically sharpened hooks is that the points are so fine it doesn’t take much to take the edge off them and while it is easy enough to change the hook it’s even easier (and cheaper) to give it a quick rub with an oilstone. Of course, I mean only slightly blunted hooks, not severely blunted ones, which should be changed without hesitation.

Hook sharpeners are especially good for fly hooks and lure trebles that are most prone to being knocked against stones and gravel.