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."
No. of ratings: 5
Number of Reviews: 8
- Oleg
- 2010-08-08
San Diego, CA
This knife is fun to have. Very simple and very handy. Quality is excelent.
Oleg 2010-08-08
San Diego CA
- Michael
- 2010-06-30
Beech Island, SC
This is an awsome knife. I fell in love with the design the first time I saw it. I was a little unsure about getting because I didn't see a pocket clip, and I don't like my knives just sitting in the bottom of my pocket where I have to dig form them. But then I saw that it had a caribiner clip and I decided that would work just fine. And it does. It lets me get my knife quickly and easily from my belt loop. It also works great for opening glass soda bottles. My friends were amazed by it. I like the openness of the frame because there are no little crevices for sand to get stuck in. It's a little bigger than I imagined, but that's just fine with me. The bigger the better. This is a great knife that works for anyone, especially lefty's like me.
- Scott
- 2010-06-20
Port Orchard, WA
Nice knife and a nifty design. I thought it would be awkward to open but it is one of the fastest and easiest opening knives I've ever had. I've had no problems with the blade rubbing the frame as someone mentioned here. Very lightweight, a bit large in the hand because of the frame but not so much that it interferes with use. Very easy to carry and the blade was razor sharp right out of the box. It's unusual design is a great conversation starter.
- Glenda
- 2010-05-21
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Knife is easy to carry because it can be attached to belt loop. I have lost quite a few knives before this one, so having something so useful attached makes it easier to keep up with. Easy direction opening--multi-directional. I used it for working on cars and stripping wires. It's an snappy design. I recently purchased this knife as a gift for someone else too.
- Gabriel
- 2010-04-05
Weaverville, CA
this is my 3rd CRKT knife, and this one is my new favorite. the unique clip is perfect for quick acsses and use,and it duobles as a bottle opener[verry sweet].My hands fits pertecly inside the open handle grip or around the outside like a normal grip, left or right handed this ambidextros tool is perfect.
Gabriel
- Hershel
- 2010-03-13
Johnson City, TX
I saw a picture of this knife, and ordered it without even reading the description. The only "problem" is that it's a little bigger then I expected. However, it's pretty thin, and carries good. I love the bottle opener too, and the knife is really easy to grip when open (due in part to the size).
- Matthew
- 2010-02-04
Dallastown, PA
Great knife, however the top of the blade rubs against the handle frame giving it unnecessary wear and an over-used look. Aside from that its functionality makes it the perfect companion when hiking or camping (thanks largely due to it's bottle opening capability).
- jeremy
- 2010-01-04
hixson, TN
this knife is great when i saw it i new i had to have it and i am glad i bought it. i will gladly tell friends and family to get it.
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