L44 Compact Flipper with Shredded Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44 Compact Flipper with Shredded Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98803
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished premium CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Textured stainless steel
Handle: Shredded carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The L44 Compact is a smaller version of Andre's renowned Model 44 Flipper. The blade is plenty long to get most any task done, yet the smaller size makes it easy to keep this knife close at hand.
The blade is perfectly centered and has incredibly smooth action -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. 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 blade is formed from Carpenter's CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US made steel is a new air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. This steel will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are formed from shredded carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. The handle is completed with anodized and fileworked titanium liners and a 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball. It is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent fit and finish 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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