theres a technique or two for every task....but i like diamond studded sharpening stones (under >$15.00) , I keep one in my shirt pocket for quickly restoring a sharp point. a few drags backwards with each hook held between thumb and first index finger will do the trick. But thats all you want to use. After that you begin to make the hook point to thin and it will get dull easier with the next clash with something tough. a quick test (for sharpness) is to see if the point can write a squiggle on a thumbnail without any pressure.
p.s. they make nice stocking stuffers
