L50 Flipper with Damasteel, Carbon Fiber, and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L50 Flipper with Damasteel, Carbon Fiber, and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99386
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 8.20 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.16 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 5.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.4 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Titanium damascus
Handle: Carbon fiber
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth action. The flipper opening is tremendously 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 the action is as smooth as a knife gets!
The broad drop point blade is formed from stainless damascus forged by Damasteel. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Carbon fiber scales have been nicely polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
The bolster is made from Timascus titanium damascus. The intricate coloring offers excellent contrast to the carbon fiber. Titanium liners are hand fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and purple inside the bevels. 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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