L40 Front Flipper with Mammoth Ivory, Damascus, and Gold Inlay (IKBS)

Product Description for L40 Front Flipper with Mammoth Ivory, Damascus, and Gold Inlay (IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 91503
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Item weight: 4.50 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.12 oz.
Blade: Devin Thomas basketweave pattern stainless damascus (Hrc 59)
Handle: Basketweave pattern stainless damascus bow tie with Mammoth ivory side inlays and 24kt gold inlay by Julien Marchal
Style: Front flipper with IKBS
Description: This folder is among Andre Thorburn's master works to date (if not his masterwork!) -- a piece worthy of display in the best collections and handed down as an heirloom. The term "gorgeous" springs to mind… it is among my favorite folders that we have ever had on BladeGallery.
It features a unique opening system Andre developed called a front flipper. This modification on a flipper opening is tremendously easy to use and does not catch when stored in the pocket. When combined with the IKBS ball bearing system, the action is exceptional! The Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) was originally designed to fit balisong knives and uses ball bearings to create exceptional action with no blade play. The action is silky smooth and the blade perfectly centered.
The blade and scales are formed from damascus forged by Devin Thomas from stainless steels. It is an intricate pattern Devin calls basket weave. Andre has mirror polished the flats which provides even more complement and highlights his crisp, clean grind lines.
The damascus frame is inlaid with two sections of mammoth ivory. Central arcs of the steel (a bow tie) have been meticulously inlaid with 24kt gold by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium. European floral scroll twists on the surface of the steel. A central section has been left blank to allow the knife to be personalized. Titanium liners are meticulously hand fileworked and anodized to a blue tone. One of the liners provides the lock for the blade in an open position. Sandwiched between the titanium is a stainless steel spacer. Attention to detail has been paid throughout this knife, with the fit and finish exceptional. This knife is accompanied by a soft pouch for carry.


Availability: Not currently available