Tom Hitchcock is an industrial designer based in Talent, Oregon. After designing a particularly complicated multi-tool, Tom thought, "Now I'd like to design something simple, like a knife."
He says, "I began looking at the trend to knives with finger holes, and I also saw an interesting side-opener. I thought that I could integrate the two ideas, and make a much safer, friendlier utility knife in the process. But it wasn't as simple or easy as I first thought."
Tom began with the perimeter frame, which is a single piece of 420J2 stainless steel, formed to fit the hand. He thoughtfully split the frame with swells at the top, bottom and butt to add more comfort without adding weight.
The blade shape was then dictated by the handle shape, which we can only call a "Hitchcock blade." It has a high flat grind with a gently curved Razor-Sharp edge. The model 5160 single-hole blade is plain for easy cleaning, while the fancy model 5150 receives five lightening holes in the blade spine.
The Hole In One's locking mechanism locks both open and closed. Most important, when the knife is gripped tightly during use, the lock also grips tighter for increased safety.
To open the Hole In One blade, simply press down on the lock release lever, and rotate it to either side. Continue rotating until the lock snaps firmly into place in the open position. This is a fast one-hand operation. Because there is no conventional clip, it is a completely ambidextrous knife.
The design of the knife gives many grip options. The index finger can go through the blade hole, or grasp either the frame finger choil, or even the blade finger choil if greater control is necessary.
Tom also designed a spring-loaded carry carabiner (non-weight-bearing) so you can securely hang the Hole In One on belt loops, D-rings, webbing or lanyards. It also will work as a bottle and jar opener.
Both blade and frame have a durable non-reflective bead-blast finish.
Tom says,"This is not a high-force knife, but a versatile, fun, outdoor knife that is going to last a long time. I've used it for everything from opening packages to cooking dinner."
I LOVE this thing. My friends are jealous I got it first. It actually is faster than most of my assisted open knives. Congratulate yourself Hitchcock, You deserve it.
jamie
2011-09-10 danvers, MA
This is a Great KnifeI bought it as a gift and it was a hit. awesome for boating.
Alexander
2011-07-21 APO, AE
This knife is a great example of what a fine crafted knife should be like. It has a very sturdy design, no loose play at all. It snaps into the closed and open position very crisply. It came to me very sharp out of the box and holds it's edge very well. It's a great knife to get dirty and not have to worry about poking and prodding into nooks and crannies to get dirt and grime out. The bottle opener for this is sheer brilliance. It rips bottle caps off magnificently. One might ask themselves, "I wonder, is this a good knife," to which I would reply, does a bear poop in the woods?
Kevin
2011-04-27 Stillwater, OK
This is a great knife. After using it all day in the woods cutting sticks for my cane business, I found it to still be very sharp. A couple of licks on the strope brought the edge back to its original sharpness. The carabiner/bottle opener insured I didn't lose it in tis jungle we call woods here in Oklahoma.
One of the finest Knives I have owned. I also bought one of each design. 3 of my friends have also purchased one.
Regards, Kevin
Randy
2011-03-16 FOLSOM, LA
Awesome knife. great when i go kayaking. snap it onto catfish/trout lines and cut as you go as to not worry about
dropping another knife in the water. easy access while sitting
in kayak or at the cleaning table. looks cool as well
randy 3-16-11 covington,louisiana
Wayne
2011-01-01 North Syracuse, NY
I am very pleased with this knife. Very sharp right out of the box. High quality material and workmanship and a design so interesting it's a conversation piece every time I use it.
Jeff
2010-12-02 Goose Creek, SC
This is an excellent knife (and very sharp) and very well manufactured. The mechanisms for opening, locking/unlocking and the built-in "snap-link" are smooth and very secure. It opens and closes easily with one hand. And, despite its apearance, I think it's pretty impossible to cut yourself with it when it is on the closed position. For such craftsmanship, I am surprised to have bought one for as little as I paid
TOM
2010-12-01 MONROE TWP, NJ
This is alarge, heavy knife--realy too big to be a pocket knife. Hanging from a belt look is not an option in this part of the country. I'd like to see it with a clip or, better yet, a nylon belt sheath.
Tom, New Jersey
Matthew
2010-11-28 Columbus, OH
Very cool knife. I showed it to my knife enthusiast friends and they loved it. It is a good strong blade with a comfortable feel.
Matt
Gabriel
2010-09-13 Burien, WA
I love this knife So easy to use and it hangs nicely from my belt loop. Plus I've always got a bottle opener now :-)
View Cart
(0 items $0.00)
