L36S Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber, Zirconium, and Damasteel - Engraved with Silver and Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36S Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber, Zirconium, and Damasteel - Engraved with Silver and Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98029
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 7.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.85 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 3.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.0 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Engraved and anodized zirconium with fine silver and 24K gold inlay
Handle: Marbled carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has silky-smooth action. The flipper opening is easy to use for quick deployment. 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. 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and this is as smooth as a knife gets!
The clip point blade is formed from stainless damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished almost hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are marbled carbon fiber that has been nicely domed and polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Engraved and anodized zirconium bolsters provide a steadfast grip that is also very beautiful. Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. The floral engraving with fine silver and gold inlay shows his tremendous attention to detail and elegant designs. The handle is completed with red fiber spacers and titanium liners that are anodized blue on the flats and purple on the bevels. A black G10 backbar keeps the knife light and fast. The machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!
BladeGallery.com is proud to be the exclusive distributor and recommended repair shop in the United States for André Thorburn's knives!


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