Sorry! It has been copiously pointed out that I shouldn't use
"buzzwords" in a public forum.... what I need are some canvas maker's
hooks, commonly referred to as "sail" or "bench" hooks: these are cast
iron or forge steel, appx. 3/8" in diameter with an appx. 2.5" circular
hook end (rather like a large shark hook) with the very tip filed to a
sharper point. (in length the point, or scorpion, is commonly the
diameter of the hook body.) This prevents the entire hook body from
entering the canvas and opening a great honking hole.

The other end of the hook, which is six to eight inches overall is
peened and enclosed by a axis swivel for attachment to the working end
of a luff tackle or handy-billy to provide tension on the canvas while
sewing a seam.

I've put up a (VERY!) rough picture of this at
http://www.frayedknotarts.com/hook.html if anyone is interested in
seeing it.

Might make a nice little project and I can sure use some! There should
also be a small but steady business in striking these as I can find no
convenient commercial suply worldwide.

Please reply offline

TIA!

(crosspost to metalworking and boatbuilding)