They are not defective batches nor counterfit knock-off's. Matzuo is now having them manufactured cheaper in China, plain and simple.

I purchased millions of hooks direct from Matzuo over a five year period. As soon as manufacturing duties went to China from Korea the hooks were formed using different wire, tempering process and bend...with POS the outcome.

The Sickle hook is indeed patented, yet being knocked off with slight variation(s) by at least four other legitimate companies these days.

Bummer.