Hooks

The hook on the left is the firts hook I ever made. Actually, it was the first functional piece I made. During the first class session, we were asked to draw a square piece of mild steel into a round point. Our most excellent teacher, Nathan Allen at Conner Prairie shows us a technique at the beginning of each class session and then asks us to practice it for the remainder of the class. After some practice pieces, I wanted to see how thin of a point I could draw out. The point I made was too nice to throw away, so I bent it into a hook. It is still the hook that appeals to me most.

During the second class session, Nathan showed us how to make hooks the professional way, you know, without branding yourself. He also showed us how to create a spade end. In the center, you see a result of my efforts that evening. Notice the square stem of the hook.