The Kamakura sharpening process produces a hook point which is every bit as good as a hand-sharpened hook, but without you having to go to all the time and effort involved in doing it yourself. The Kamakura Krank has a unique shape, featuring a very wide gape, with quite a short, curved shank into a slightly in-turned eye – the in-turned effect is accentuated by the shape of the shank and the way it sweeps round to the eye. The point, which is slightly beaked, is offset and this shape helps it to ‘Krank’ its way in once it takes an initial hold. These hooks are very strong, and feature a micro barb which won’t hinder penetration, but once in, will ensure that the hook stays in place.
A barbless version is also available. The Krank can be used with a wide variety of different rigs and is incredibly effective even with a simple knotless knot, or it can be used on more complicated set-ups, such as the Spinner Rig which Tom Dove favours himself. The points are protected by a blob of wax which needs to be carefully removed before use, and they come supplied in a box which holds each individual hook securely in place – you get ten hooks in each box.
