Hartman Hook, Pear Handle Hook Direct and handmade from Ireland of brass & yew wood.  9mm EXTRA COARSE SHANK PEAR AND BALL HANDLES are slightly fatter than the primitive shank. 

 The thick brass shank is a great help in making a hole large enough for your 8.5 cuts or wider. If you work with torn wool strips, the 9mm is a great tool to have. It is so easy to pull your loops through your backing fabric which makes it easier on your wrist and hand.