A New Contender with Outstanding Execution: Birdvis Hitchcock Production Framelock Review
Published: 1 month ago
(Video description assisted by Gemini AI)
This video offers a first impressions review of the Birdvis Hitchcock production framelock. Known primarily for his exquisite custom slipjoints, Nick Timpson of Birdvis Knives has entered the modern production folder market with this model. While the specs might seem conventional for its price point, the thesis here is that the outstanding execution makes the Hitchcock incredibly impressive in hand, positioning Birdvis as a significant new player in the mid-to-high-end American-made knife scene. This review comes earlier than usual due to sheer excitement about the knife's quality.
Birdvis Hitchcock Production Framelock Specifications:
Designer/Maker: Nick Timpson (Birdvis Knives, USA)
Production Type: Small-batch Production (Made in USA)
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut (Reviewed version: Acid Washed)
Blade Length: 3.0 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.130 inches
Blade Shape: Sheepsfoot
Blade Grind: Full Flat (approx.)
Handle Length (Closed): 4.375 inches (4 3/8")
Handle Material: Titanium (T6, Reviewed: Acid Washed, no internal milling)
Overall Length: Approx. 7.375 inches
Weight: 4.6 oz
Opener: Custom Thumb Disc
Lock Type: Frame Lock (w/ steel insert)
Pivot: Caged Ball Bearings
Features: Engraved pie-slice shield, Deep chamfers, Milled Ti clip & backspacer
Price: $550 USD (at release, via small batch drops)
This first look examines the details, feel, and function that make this seemingly simple knife stand out.
Key Aspects Reviewed (First Impressions):
Blade & Cutting Performance: The classic sheepsfoot blade shape offers excellent utility. The highlight is the exceptional grind, resulting in superb out-of-the-box sharpness and cutting ability that stays thin well behind the edge. Performance is compared favorably to benchmarks like the Spyderco PM2 or Slysz Bowie – capable and slicey without being overly delicate. Details like the thumb ramp and swedge enhance control and precision.
Handle & Ergonomics: Features a tall, wide, yet relatively thin titanium handle in a gunstock pattern. Fit and finish are lauded as excellent, with flush hardware, tight tolerances, and consistent chamfering. Despite being flat slabs, the ergonomics are surprisingly secure and comfortable due to the handle width, grippy texture, chamfers, and slightly handle-heavy balance, providing great control for utility work.
Action & Deployment: Described as phenomenal and one of the most impressive aspects. The bearing action is exceptionally smooth and controlled, feeling akin to perfectly broken-in washers. Deployment via the well-designed custom thumb disc is crisp and satisfying, aided by a well-tuned detent. Closing is smooth and controlled ("fold-shut"). The properly recessed bearing pockets contribute to a tight overall feel.
Lockbar Access (Critique): The primary point of criticism is the difficult lockbar access. The thin gap and lack of a show-side cutout make disengaging the relatively strong lockbar challenging, requiring the user to "jam" their thumb in. This is noted as a potential annoyance and area for future improvement.
Overall Execution & Value: Despite the straightforward design and $550 price, the Hitchcock impresses with immaculate execution. The quality, potential hand-finishing, and focus on perfecting fundamentals are compared to the work of makers like Les George or Grimsmo, justifying the cost for those who appreciate this level of refinement.
Maker Context & Philosophy: Discusses Birdvis Knives' background as a highly regarded custom slipjoint maker. The Hitchcock is framed as representing a "knifemaker-first" approach to production, aiming to replicate the feel and quality of a custom piece, distinguishing it from more purely machine-driven production knives. This debut is seen as exceptionally promising.
These first impressions conclude that the Birdvis Hitchcock is a remarkably well-executed knife. Its superb cutting performance, phenomenal action, and comfortable ergonomics significantly outweigh the minor issue with lockbar access. It's presented as an exciting first locking folder from Birdvis and highly recommended for those seeking top-tier American-made production quality.
Official Links:
Birdvis Knives Official Website: https://www.birdvisknives.com/
Birdvis Knives Shop (Check for Hitchcock drops): https://www.birdvisknives.com/shop (Note: Availability on linked pages may vary due to small-batch nature. Links provided for informational purposes.)
Share your thoughts on the Birdvis Hitchcock or other small-batch American makers in the comments below!
This video offers a first impressions review of the Birdvis Hitchcock production framelock. Known primarily for his exquisite custom slipjoints, Nick Timpson of Birdvis Knives has entered the modern production folder market with this model. While the specs might seem conventional for its price point, the thesis here is that the outstanding execution makes the Hitchcock incredibly impressive in hand, positioning Birdvis as a significant new player in the mid-to-high-end American-made knife scene. This review comes earlier than usual due to sheer excitement about the knife's quality.
Birdvis Hitchcock Production Framelock Specifications:
Designer/Maker: Nick Timpson (Birdvis Knives, USA)
Production Type: Small-batch Production (Made in USA)
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut (Reviewed version: Acid Washed)
Blade Length: 3.0 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.130 inches
Blade Shape: Sheepsfoot
Blade Grind: Full Flat (approx.)
Handle Length (Closed): 4.375 inches (4 3/8")
Handle Material: Titanium (T6, Reviewed: Acid Washed, no internal milling)
Overall Length: Approx. 7.375 inches
Weight: 4.6 oz
Opener: Custom Thumb Disc
Lock Type: Frame Lock (w/ steel insert)
Pivot: Caged Ball Bearings
Features: Engraved pie-slice shield, Deep chamfers, Milled Ti clip & backspacer
Price: $550 USD (at release, via small batch drops)
This first look examines the details, feel, and function that make this seemingly simple knife stand out.
Key Aspects Reviewed (First Impressions):
Blade & Cutting Performance: The classic sheepsfoot blade shape offers excellent utility. The highlight is the exceptional grind, resulting in superb out-of-the-box sharpness and cutting ability that stays thin well behind the edge. Performance is compared favorably to benchmarks like the Spyderco PM2 or Slysz Bowie – capable and slicey without being overly delicate. Details like the thumb ramp and swedge enhance control and precision.
Handle & Ergonomics: Features a tall, wide, yet relatively thin titanium handle in a gunstock pattern. Fit and finish are lauded as excellent, with flush hardware, tight tolerances, and consistent chamfering. Despite being flat slabs, the ergonomics are surprisingly secure and comfortable due to the handle width, grippy texture, chamfers, and slightly handle-heavy balance, providing great control for utility work.
Action & Deployment: Described as phenomenal and one of the most impressive aspects. The bearing action is exceptionally smooth and controlled, feeling akin to perfectly broken-in washers. Deployment via the well-designed custom thumb disc is crisp and satisfying, aided by a well-tuned detent. Closing is smooth and controlled ("fold-shut"). The properly recessed bearing pockets contribute to a tight overall feel.
Lockbar Access (Critique): The primary point of criticism is the difficult lockbar access. The thin gap and lack of a show-side cutout make disengaging the relatively strong lockbar challenging, requiring the user to "jam" their thumb in. This is noted as a potential annoyance and area for future improvement.
Overall Execution & Value: Despite the straightforward design and $550 price, the Hitchcock impresses with immaculate execution. The quality, potential hand-finishing, and focus on perfecting fundamentals are compared to the work of makers like Les George or Grimsmo, justifying the cost for those who appreciate this level of refinement.
Maker Context & Philosophy: Discusses Birdvis Knives' background as a highly regarded custom slipjoint maker. The Hitchcock is framed as representing a "knifemaker-first" approach to production, aiming to replicate the feel and quality of a custom piece, distinguishing it from more purely machine-driven production knives. This debut is seen as exceptionally promising.
These first impressions conclude that the Birdvis Hitchcock is a remarkably well-executed knife. Its superb cutting performance, phenomenal action, and comfortable ergonomics significantly outweigh the minor issue with lockbar access. It's presented as an exciting first locking folder from Birdvis and highly recommended for those seeking top-tier American-made production quality.
Official Links:
Birdvis Knives Official Website: https://www.birdvisknives.com/
Birdvis Knives Shop (Check for Hitchcock drops): https://www.birdvisknives.com/shop (Note: Availability on linked pages may vary due to small-batch nature. Links provided for informational purposes.)
Share your thoughts on the Birdvis Hitchcock or other small-batch American makers in the comments below!