A loop knife has a lot more power and can be used right- or left-handed. The pick is designed for cleaning out muck and debris. The pick is sharp so it can also be used to follow darkened hoof, locate and pop an abscess. It’s much quicker and more efficient than using a needle.
The shape of this knife makes it easier to sharpen than the traditional semi-circle shape. A blunt hoof knife is a pain in the backside so you want a tool that sharpens easily and maintains its cutting edge. I carry a full set of knives but I find I use the loop knife most often
