The world of crochet and knit was revolutionized several years ago with the introduction of hooks made with a wide variety of woods. The most common of those woods is bamboo. Knitters and crocheters alike have been wildly attracted to these tools.
I like bamboo hooks, but feel that there are problems here that create a hit and miss market. The first issue for me is finish. I purchased a couple of the Clover bamboo hooks and had to return several of them before I was happy with the smoothness of the head of the hook. I don’t think I’m any pickier about getting a finely finished hook than any other crocheter. I don’t mind using an emery board on the mold marks of a $1.99 plastic Q hook. But I do object to doing the same thing with a wood hook from a good manufacturer like Clover.
Another issue I have with bamboo hooks is the ‘drag’ they put on the yarn. Some hooks will glide right through any yarn. In fact, I have often counseled others, and have been advised myself, that if there is a problem with yarn splitting or dragging, the first fix to try is to change hooks. Changing from bamboo to rosewood proved a better match for me.
I know lots of knitters and crocheters who swear by bamboo. Not me. I like them, but I don’t LOVE them. I find that other woods and most metallic hooks are easier to work with than bamboo.
Thank you for this review. I’ve wondered about the bamboo hooks, but haven’t tried them. Now, I won’t try them. THANK YOU!