I myself prefer the steel crochet hooks for a number of reasons. First of all, the sturdiest of hooks are the steel variety. For example, if you have a very tight stitch that you are trying to pull your next loop through, the plastic hooks will bend or even break whereas the steel hooks will do the job very nicely. Another advantage to the steel hooks (depending on the size you are using) is that if the hook does bend, you can easily bend that hook back into shape. As well, if someone (such as a velcro products grandson) decides to play with a crochet hook when your back is turned, they quickly seem to lose interest in a steel hook, whereas with a plastic hook, it could go in the toy box!
The plastic hooks are very advantageous in the fact that some types of wool will get caught on a hook, so if you tend to use a plastic hook, they will never get caught up in the wool (The plastic is smooth enabling you never to snag on your wool as you are pulling your wool through for the next stitch.). Plastic hooks are easier to come by, but sometimes plastic is not the answer. Plastic is also more inexpensive to purchase than the steel hooks, but to me, I prefer the steel hooks, so am willing to pay the bit extra to get what I want.
I have heard complaints that the steel hooks are always cold, but with a minute of use, the steel warms up to the warmth from your hands. And if you are crocheting a doily or something in that line all that is recommended for a hook is a steel hook.
I also have heard comments in that it depends on what you have learned to crochet with – you tend to stick to the same types of hooks. I don’t find this to be true and I have given a great deal of thought to this matter. For example, a plastic or wooden crochet hook is acceptable for an afghan, whereas the same type of hook may not be acceptable for a doily or even a bedspread.
I have never tried to use a wooden hook, but would be willing to give it a try.
One of the first things I consider when purchasing any crochet hook is the sturdiness of the hook itself. I ask myself if it can survive intact for a longer period of time that it takes to complete my project, and if the answer is no, I revert back to my steel hooks.
Now, admittedly, plastic hooks are among the most inexpensive hooks to purchase, but will they last? Can you do more than one or two projects with a hook such as this? Is it so colorful that the children within your household are fascinated with it? (That’s how it ends up the toy box!)
Yes, you can purchase all the crochet hooks, be it wooden, plastic, or steel hooks, in sets, it’s up to you what you desire to use. Myself, I think I will stick with the steel crochet hooks.
Have you ever considered what kind of crochet hooks you should purchase and the reasons for the purchase?