L45 Front Flipper with Thunderstorm Kevlar and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L45 Front Flipper with Thunderstorm Kevlar and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 95479
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 7.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.90 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.4 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved zirconium
Handle: Thunderstorm Kevlar
Sheath: Fleece lined cordura pouch
Style: IKBS front flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. His flippers have some the best action I've ever found. The blade is perfectly centered and silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous front flipper toggle. The front flipper mechanism is easy to operate for single handed open, yet provides a slimmer profile and is less likely to catch on things when carried in the pocket. The blade uses the IKBS (Ikoma Korth Bearing System) pivot system. This mechanism, which was originally designed to fit balisong knives, uses ball bearings to create exceptional action with no blade play. This special folder is made with ceramic ball bearings. Generally IKBS bearings are made either from tool steel or from stainless steel. Stainless steel can wear away, resulting in uneven action over time. Tool steel bearings can oxidize making the action rough. Ceramic bearings are the best of all worlds -- extremely hard and wear resistant, they are also inert and will not oxidize. This is as smooth as a knife gets!
The clip point N690 stainless steel blade is meticulously hand satin finished. N690 is a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds on to it. Increased toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are Thunderstorm Kevlar that has been nicely domed and polished. This rare and exciting variation on lightning strike carbon fiber combines brass wire woven into Kevlar strands. Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper doubles as a front guard that keeps the hand from sliding forward onto the blade.
Zirconium bolsters have been textured, engraved, and differentially anodized, providing a steadfast grip that is also very beautiful. Zirconium is a new material to the knifemaking world. It is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. Zirconium is highly resistant to corrosion. Titanium liners have been hand fileworked and differentially anodized. The pierced titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit throughout.


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