TomHitchcockTalent, Oregon

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. 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 and Daktyl™ folding knives. 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."