Strong button-hook for shoes?

[Cardinal Richelieu]

Bought a pair of Fitzpatrick button boots--love them, but (as it's normal) they need breaking in, so first few times buttoning is a bit of a chore.

Bought Fitzpatrick's stag-handled button hook, but upon exercising a bit of force on it it bent quite badly. Steel seems butter-soft.

Any advice for a vendor who makes a stronger, tempered-steel button hook?

Thanks in advance

Tom

 

[madhat]

Interesting. I have the same hook and never had issues. In fact, I don't even bother with it any more and button by hand.
I personally would rather the tool bend than break the button. Maybe keep an eye out for a vintage hook