Small Ball Release Front Flipper with Mammoth Ivory and Engraved Zirconium

Product Description for Small Ball Release Front Flipper with Mammoth Ivory and Engraved Zirconium

Maker: Des Horn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101998
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 2.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 2.75 in.
Total length: 6.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.66 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.09 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.08 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 2.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 3.0 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel, cryogenically quenched and double tempered
Bolster: Zirconium inlaid with 24k gold and engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Ancient mammoth ivory set on anodized, hand fileworked titanium liners
Sheath: Premium blue ostrich leather pouch
Style: Ball release front flipper
Description: Des Horn makes knives that have an intrinsic harmony. This elegant gent's flipper shows Horn's work at its best. Des Horn is one of the fathers of the South African knife industry. His influence can be clearly seen in other South African's work, but also extends into knives made around the world. Whether put to a daily carry folder or an art knife, his attention to detail and skill is legendary.
This Small Ball Release Gent's Front Flipper has handles of ancient mammoth ivory. This outer bark combines caramel with rare green tones. These colors move from minerals in surrounding soil into the ivory across thousands of years. Zirconium bolsters are meticulously engraved and inlaid with 24k gold by Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal. Julien studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing.
The blade is formed from stainless damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. The high contrast steel is both dramatic and extremely high performing. The indent and release balls are silicon nitride (Hrc 93!). Anodized and hand fileworked titanium liners are formed from Grade V titanium and surround the stainless damascus back spacer.
Des' craftsmanship means that this locking mechanism works smoothly and comfortably. The front flipper opener is easy to use -- it is designed for easy single handed opening and closing rather than a modern 'flicking' flipper. The blade is perfectly centered and has smooth action.
The knife is accompanied by a blue ostrich leather pouch.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available