As a guy who deals with surgical needles on a regular basis, I can tell you that a surgeon would almost never suture tissue with anything other than a cutting point, unless the goal is to ensure that the suture tract is watertight ( vascular micro-surgery, glaucoma micro-surgery). A cutting needle penetrates tissue with incredible ease compared to a conical tapered needle.... it's like night and day.

The same goes for fishing hooks.... cutting points just penetrate better. That said, I have not converted to Owner hooks because of what others have already alluded to..... exorbitant prices for small quantities. Besides, I have done well with Gamakatsu's all these years. Happy to see there is bulk pricing available on the Owners.. Bad news is my timing is way off.... just placed an order for bulk Gamakatsu's before reading this post. Oh well, next time around.