L36M Flipper with Damacore, Engraved Zirconium with Gold Inlay, and Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36M Flipper with Damacore, Engraved Zirconium with Gold Inlay, and Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 102565
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.08 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.17 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 5.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Damacore stainless damascus san mai forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Engraved zirconium inlaid with 24k gold
Handle: Carbon Fiber set on titanium liners
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. This is one of the first knives that Andre has made with a Damacore blade. 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 formed from Damacore stainless damascus san mai forged by Damasteel. This exciting steel combines a high performing core of nitrogen based N11X, surrounded by alternating outer layers of stainless damascus combining RWL34 and PMC27 martensitic stainless steels. N11X has a comparable composition to nitrogen based Vanax SuperClean which is known for having both high wear resistance and high toughness against chipping or cracking. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Carbon fiber handle scales have been nicely domed and polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. Zirconium bolsters are meticulously engraved and inlaid with 24k 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. The floral scroll engraving shows his tremendous attention to detail and elegant designs. The handle is completed with red fiber spacers and titanium liners that are blue anodized. The black G-10 backbar keeps the knife light and fast. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
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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