L28 Flipper with Damasteel, Westinghouse Micarta, and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L28 Flipper with Damasteel, Westinghouse Micarta, and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101309
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.33 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.88 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 3.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Titanium damascus
Handle: Antique Westinghouse Micarta
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The clip point blade is made from damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. This high performing stainless damascus steel is created using powder metallurgical manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. The bold damascus pattern is nicely shown in the high blade grind and nearly hidden in the flats. The blade is hand hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from very rare antique Westinghouse Micarta. This Micarta was developed in 1910 by Westinghouse Electric Corporation as an industrial thermo-set laminate for electrical insulation. This light toned Micarta was lost in a warehouse and only recently discovered. The surface shows the beautiful yellowing with age that makes this rare Micarta so captivating. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. This combination nicely complements the anodized Timascus titanium damascus bolsters. The handle is completed with fileworked blue anodized titanium liners and red fiber spacers. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right handed, tip-up carry. Exceptional 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!


Availability: Not currently available