A6 Middi Flipper with Arctic Storm FatCarbon (Ceramic IKBS) - M390

Product Description for A6 Middi Flipper with Arctic Storm FatCarbon (Ceramic IKBS) - M390

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101821
Blade length: 3.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.00 in.
Total length: 7.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.16 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 3.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 3.8 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished premium M390 stainless steel, Hrc 60-61
Bolster: Zirconium pivot ring
Handle: Arctic Storm FatCarbon
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Folding liner lock with ceramic IKBS
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders at a tremendously high skill level. When they collaborate together, they make A2 knives. The A6 Middi is a mid-size version of the standard A6! It is a great compromise of feeling great in the hand and easy to carry in the pocket!
The blade is perfectly centered and the action is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. It 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. Thorburn and van Heerden created this special A6 Middi 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.
The blade is formed from M390 premium stainless steel. M390 is a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds onto it due to a high concentration of vanadium and chromium carbides. Its unique powder metallurgical process also promotes a uniform carbide distribution and clean steel properties, making M390 a popular steel used in surgical cutting instruments and in applications requiring a high finish. It offers excellent corrosion resistance due to its high concentration of chromium. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are formed from Artic Storm FatCarbon. This dramatic composite material creates a damascene pattern using thin layers of ceramic and carbon fiber. The unique carbon fiber produces a beautiful chatoyancy that reflects light exceptionally. The custom heat colored zirconium pivot is surrounded by a matching zirconium pivot collar. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. It is completed with blue anodized titanium liners. The ultra-light titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up, right-handed carry.
Excellent work throughout!
BladeGallery.com is proud to be the exclusive distributor and recommended repair shop in the United States for A2 Knives!


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