CRKT describes this item as follows:
Here's a lightweight winner that's a tough and versatile outdoor knife.
The blade has that 360° "sweet swing." We think it's right on target.
Tom Hitchcock is an industrial designer based in Talent, Oregon. Tom's
talent is clearly on display in his successful tool and locking system
designs. 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.
Tom then developed the unique locking mechanism, shared with the CRKT
Snap Lock™, which provides 12 locking points for strength and security.
It 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."
Specifications
Blade: Length: 2.50" (64 mm)
Thickness: 0.14" (3.6 mm)
Steel: 420J2, 52-55 HRC
Knife: Overall length: 8.125" (206 mm)
Closed: Handle length: 5.25" (133 mm)
Weight: 3.8 oz. (108 g)
About the Knife Designer
Tom Hitchcock of Talent, Oregon, is a custom knife and hand tool
designer with many products to his credit. He has been designing knives
and combination hand tools since 1979. Tom is the original inventor of
the award-winning Snap Lock mechanism. He is a prize-winning sculptor,
and a professional inventor. His other interests include building custom
bicycles, permaculture, and appropriate technology. "Much of my knife
making inspiration has come from Nature. My mentors in learning about
the knifemaking industry include Matt Conable, and Jim Whers, who both
were very generous with their time and knowledge. I was also very
inspired by Ed Halligan and the simplicity and elegance of his knife
designs. Albert Einstein said to make things as simple as you can and no
simpler, and this was the idea behind the Hole In One. I wanted to build
a side-opening knife that was simple, versatile, completely unique in
its form and function, yet very practical, safe, fun and easy to use." |