Luxury crochet hooks offer what the bargain brands can only dream of: baby-fine finishes for smooth glides and ergonomic designs, which promote pain-free crafting. To learn which quality crochet hook works best for you, read on.

Apple Wood Crochet Hooks

This small-batch crochet hook crafter features hand-whittled pieces that often come from locally-found apple tree wood. Each piece is sold via internet auction on the website and comes with a rather whimsical origin story. (Jimbo's Front Porch, Auction-Style)

The Hummingbird Hooks  

Winner of Crochet Liberation Front's 2011 Flamie Award for "Best Crochet Hooks by an Individual," these unique hooks are hand-crafted and boast supreme comfort, regardless of how you hold the hook. (DyakCraft, Prices Available Upon Request) 

Custom Crochet Hooks  

Husband-and-wife craft artisans Brian and Anne Bergmann hand-turn each crochet hook on a lathe and design these freehand. No stains or dyes are used, ideal for crocheters with sensitive skin or allergies; instead, the deep colors are a result of a detailed finishing process that involves intensive sanding, sealing, hand-polishing and buffing. (BrainsBarn, $75)

Teardrop Crochet Hooks  

Each crochet hook from this individual wood artist has a comfort-first focus. Crocheters can choose between a variety of styles, from crochet hooks with designer grips to a teardrop grip. Sold in select specialty craft stores, this high-quality crochet hook is worth the effort to hunt it down. (G3 Studios, $70) 

Maple Crochet Hooks  

All hooks are made when ordered and are started from blocks of wood, not dowels, which prevents the wood hook from flexing. (Jenkins Woodworking, from $20)

Ebony Crochet Hooks 

Considered one of the superior crochet hooks available, this ebony hardwood hook is hand-sanded to ensure a superior release and glide. (Lantern Moon, $18.90) 

Image credits (from top): jimbosfrontporch.blogspot.com, dyakcraft.com, brainsbarn.com, g3studios.net, jenkinswoodworking.com and lanternmoon.com