L36M Flipper with Marble Carbon Fiber, Damascus, and Engraved Titanium with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36M Flipper with Marble Carbon Fiber, Damascus, and Engraved Titanium with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 100073
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.70 in.
Total length: 8.70 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.00 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.09 in.
Item weight: 5.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Vinland pattern stainless damascus forged by Damasteel, 60 Hrc
Bolster: Titanium inlaid with 24k gold and engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Marble carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky smooth action -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. The blade uses the IKBS (Ikoma Korth Bearing System) pivot. This mechanism, which was originally designed to fit balisong knives, uses ball bearings to create exceptional action with no blade play. Thorburn created this L36M Flipper 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and this folder has among the best action you will ever find.
The clip point blade is formed from Vinland pattern stainless damascus forged by Damasteel. This high performing stainless damascus is created using powder metallurgical steel manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. It is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from marbled carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Titanium bolsters are deeply engraved and inlaid with 24kt gold accents by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. Titanium liners have been fileworked and anodized blue. The machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry. A ceramic ball bearing set in the end of the clip makes it particularly easy to use.
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!


Availability: Not currently available