An Espionage Expert Helped Develop This Robust Yet Refined EDC Knife

With subtle nods to WWII-era British spies and the world of watchmaking, this folder is poised to be an instant classic.

Prometheus Design Werx x Watches of Espionage Birdwatcher knife closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published July 31, 2025

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You might not realize it, but the worlds of knifemaking and watchmaking actually have a lot in common. There are some obvious overlaps, like the materials employed — both rely heavily on robust metals, especially steel — but they also share elements of design, craftsmanship and history.

The upcoming Prometheus Design Werx x Watches of Espionage Birdwatcher EDC knife takes those commonalities to heart and magnificently blends them.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it was partly developed by someone intimately familiar with both worlds: a former CIA operative who now dabbles in horology.

Prometheus Design Werx x Watches of Espionage Birdwatcher knives with other gear on black background — The knife boasts either a green or black G10 handle scale on the presentation side.

Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy

As mentioned, PDW Special Project Division’s collaborator in this knife is W.O.E. (Watches of Espionage), a blog and shop run by a genuine former CIA operative with a watch obsession. As such, it makes perfect sense that the knife is heavily inspired by spy culture and history.

For starters, the name itself is referential. “Birdwatcher” is a cheeky espionage colloquialism for “spy” — someone who collects intelligence and watches others.

Furthermore, on the lock side of the knife, the handle scale features a laser etching of a topographical map. But it’s not just some random terrain; it’s a representation of Camp X, a British installation used for training the SOE and OSS during WWII.

Prometheus Design Werx x Watches of Espionage Birdwatcher knife in case — The knife’s lock side features a topographical map of Camp X, a British installation used for spy training during WWII.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a W.O.E. offering without at least a little touch of horology. This can be found in the thumb studs, whose design is based on the crowns of dive watches. They even have a bit of lume embedded in them, another core watchmaking element.

All in all, the varying elements blend together magnificently. Even if you didn’t know the story behind the knife, its form factor is still spectacular.

Prometheus Design Werx x Watches of Espionage Birdwatcher thumb stud lume — The dive watch-inspired thumb stud boasts a bit of embedded lume.

Give ’em the bird

This knife is a powerhouse, even if you ignore all the history and stylistic design elements. That starts with its materials.

The handle has two scales. The presentation side is either green or black G10, while the lock side is solid titanium. Similarly, the etched pocket clip is also titanium.

Prometheus Design Werx x Watches of Espionage Birdwatcher knife in pocket with clip sticking out — The titanium pocket clip is laser-etched with SPD’s Kraken logo and WOE’s spade logo.

But that’s only half the story. The other half — the pointy end — is even more exciting. The knife’s drop-point blade is made from remarkably robust MagnaCut super steel, which means it’s high-performance and virtually corrosion-proof.

It also has a sturdy, classic frame lock and a ceramic ball-bearing pivot for smooth manual deployment. The Birdwatcher measures 8.125 inches in total, of which 3.5 inches comprise the blade.

Prometheus Design Werx x Watches of Espionage Birdwatcher knife with pry bar and Tudor watch — The Birdwatcher borrows from watchmaking, including its crown-inspired, lumed thumb studs.

Coming soon

Per the brands, the Prometheus Design Werx x Watches of Espionage Birdwatcher EDC knife will tentatively be released on both brands’ sites in the first week of August 2025. Pricing is set at $339.

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