How Many Hooks Does a Hooker Need To Hook?

Originally posted on 6/26/13; however, will continue to update if/when I try a new hook.

Bottom line is, I've got too many for me to even give a rough estimate. However, I thought I'd take a moment and inventory hooks I own now (or owned in the past), and give a quick and dirty critique as an end user/consumer who is an intermediate skill level crocheter.

Addi (straight handled)   

My critique: This was my favorite hook; however, the hook/shaft end eventually separates from the plastic handle and crazy glue or epoxy isn't enough of a bond to keep it together. (I've had several where this has happened). I owned about three, and have given them all away.  

Note: Skacel has exceptional customer service, and I've sent back hooks to the manufacturer (or to the shop where I obtained the hooks) for my money back.

Addi Swing    

My critique: My favorite hook, especially for small gauge hooks, given the handle is substantial enough, my hand doesn't cramp up like it does when holding a very small gauge hook; downside: shaft is too short so it's not good for stitches with a lot of yarn overs, i.e. bobbles, buillions, and small Tunisian projects (all my entrelac is done on conventional hooks, not Tunisians. I have NEVER used a Tunisian hook thus far, but I feel that will change soon.) I own about a half dozen of these hooks.

Boye   

My critique: Good standard hook, but sometimes, depending on the stitches or yarn in question the hook isn't deep or "hooky" enough. I own several.

Brains Barn 

My critique: Gorgeous to look at, though given how rough I am with certain hooks or projects, I worry that with the finer gauge hook with more delicate ornamentation, it might not hold up to regular use. I own a very small gauge hook, plus an "S" sized double ended hook for Tunisian/crocheknit which I had custom made.
Note: As of today's edit (6/10/15), I do not know if Brian is still making crochet hooks--he and his wife have totally dropped off my radar (completely!).

Bates 

My critique: A hook I am sure every single crocheter has in their kit/tool box.

Clover Soft Touch 

My critique: They're "okay." but I feel like Goldilocks in the house of the three bears. To me, it's "just not right." I owned a full set I won at an auction which I've given all but a few away. I'll use them in a pinch, but they're not the first things I grab.

Clover Amour   

My critique: These are a great option for folks who think the Etimo Tulip hooks are too pricey. They seem, to me at least, to be very comparable. I own several & love them.

Daystar 

My Critique: Stunningly beautiful. It's almost as if Brains Barn and Daystar were in competition with each other to see who makes the most beautiful hooks. Functional, but again, given the delicate nature of some of the features, I'm afraid to use the hook regularly. Additionally? Almost "too hooky."

Denise Interchangables: HAVE NOT TRIED THUS FAR

Etimo Tulip 

My Critique: Hands down my favorite. Okay, it is running neck-and-neck with Addi Swing for my favorite category, and for different reasons. All my entrelac projects, thus far, have been done with either a Bates or an Etimo hook.

Jenkins Woodworking 

My critique: Good, durable wooden hooks. I have a U sized hook, it is the largest diameter hook I own. Love it.

Jimbo's hand carved 

My critique: Good durable, hand turned hooks of varying styles and wood. I love his creativity and his connection to crocheters. I own several hooks. They have great handles and are well balanced and have held up very well to regular use.
Knitter's Pride Crochet Hooks
My critique: Nice weight and feel, and good for general use, but if you are doing stitches with a lot of yarn overs (like trebels, bobbles or buillions), the depth of the hook isn't deep enough to keep the stitches on there. "Not hooky enough."

Kollage Square Hook 

My critique: I don't want to say I hated it. But I did. I didn't like the square handle. I guess I must turn my hook a bit as I use them, and the square edges are not conducive to my style of hooking. Pretty to look at, but hey, if I want to look at a pretty hook, I'll look at my Brains Barn or my Daystar hooks.

Turn of the Century  
My critique: Love them with all my heart. Love the shape of the handles. Love the selection of woods. Love the finish on them. I have larger sized hooks (I believe an N, P,Q or perhaps a P, Q and S) and I like to use these with chunkier weight yarns that might be too "slippy" for metallic hooks. These are the very first wood hooks with which I fell in love.