L48 Front Flipper with Silver Twill, Engraved Zirconium, and SG2 San Mai (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L48 Front Flipper with Silver Twill, Engraved Zirconium, and SG2 San Mai (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 102559
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.93 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.2 oz.
Blade: Damascus san mai blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Bolster: Zirconium inlaid with fine silver and engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Silver twill set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Storage pouch
Style: IKBS front flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has silky-smooth drop shut action. The front flipper is tremendously easy to use and does not catch on things when stored in the pocket. 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 blade is formed from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any Thorburn knife ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The linear damascus reveals Andre's complex, super-clean hand grind. The flats are polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Silver twill handle scales are nicely polished and domed. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters have been engraved and inlaid with fine silver by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal 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 resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Fileworked and anodized titanium liners are set against red fiber spacers. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up, right side carry. A ceramic retention ball makes it particularly effective.
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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