What's your favorite hook sharpener?

[hewesfisher]

Lost mine and need another. So thought I'd ask everyone for opinions on what you consider the best. I'm looking for something small, don't use any hooks larger 1/0, and probably 98% in the 6 - 8 range. Leaning toward a pocket or belt style, diamond hone with hook groove. Must be durable and easy to use in cold temps when wearing winter gear.

[Amx]

I bought a couple from Auburn Sports and Marine this summer. I've used the flat fine diamond panel one, about 1" wide and 6" long, 1/8" thick, and it works great. The round one with the groove I haven't used yet. They are both 'Eze-Lap brand. The round one looks like a short ink pen with a clip for your pocket, the end comes off to expose the hone rod.

Used on Dropshot hooks so far.

[Bodofish]

I have one that came as a freebie with a Cabelas order. It's little ceramic rods bound in a plastic frame, it has two of the rods pinned up against each other for hooks. They work excellent but I'd never use it on anything smaller than an 1/0, just too small, toss 'em and tie on a new one. It also has a couple of the rods in an X configuration for touching up a blade, that works good too.

[hewesfisher]

Have looked at the Eze Lap and the Dr Slick, neither will rust, both are diamond abrasive, and they are both small.

Can't tie on a new small hook when it's integral to the fly (I don't tie my own) nor the plug. A few strokes with the sharpener keeps the points sharp until I either replace the fly or change hooks on the plugs.

Read of guys taking a pair of chain saw files and taping them together. Supposed to work awesome, but will rust if they get wet. May still try this with some 1/4 pitch files and glue them in a couple wood or plastic blocks - cheap and effective.