Quote Originally Posted by Ray Kunz View Post
I suggest that you not only "don't bury the point" but also "don't bury the barb". The thinned down section at the root of the lancing cut made in raising the barb is the weakest spot in the hook. Keep the barb area exposed also.
I have broken more than one point off debarbing some of the smaller sizes. Despite my facetious comment above, I normally secure the hook on the bend and work the thread around the point and very carefully pull back hair and hackle when I have too. I have found that having as much of the shank unobstructed as possible make the tying a bit easier.