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You're going to do more harm than good attempting to improve the new generation of chemically sharpened hooks, but less expensive versions normally need touchups. Here's how:

• Hold the hook by the shank between your thumb and forefinger so that the bend faces inward and the point is away from you. Grasp the file in your other hand.
• Brush the left side of the point away from you down the file in one long stroke. Give it another stroke if you desire, but file any further and you'll weaken the point.
• Repeat for the right side and the outside of the point.

TIP: Use a 4¿¿-inch inexpensive metal file for hooks up to size 4. A 5¿¿-inch model works for larger ones.