Uhm, I have a snake hook that I initially used when I got my first BP just until we both felt comfortable enough for me to reach in and pick him up. Of course now I pick both of mine up with no fear and let them rest around my neck just while I change their substrate, but I still occasionally use it when my newest "rescue" is being snappy and defensive because he wasn't handled previous to me getting him. If I know he's in strike mode and hisses at me when I open his tub then why should I just reach in and grab him? The hook does not stress him out as much as my "big scary hand", so while he becomes accustomed to being handled I prefer to stress him out as little as possible. I'm not scared to be bit, but I'm also not going to put myself in a position where I'm sure I'll get nipped.
I see no shame in using snake hooks.
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