L54 Front Flipper with Damacore, Linear Silver Strike Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Stainless Steel (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L54 Front Flipper with Damacore, Linear Silver Strike Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Stainless Steel (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103232
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.40 in.
Total length: 7.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.06 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.93 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.14 in.
Item weight: 4.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.8 oz.
Blade: Damacore stainless damascus san mai forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Stainless steel - engraved by Juilien Marchal
Handle: Linear silver strike carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS front flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth, drop shut action. The front flipper opening is tremendously easy to use for quick deployment. When combined with the IKBS ball bearing system, the action is exceptional! The knife can be opened using the index finger or thumb. 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 drop 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 by hand for an easy to maintain edge.
Scales are formed from linear silver strike carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. Stainless steel bolsters are meticulously engraved 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 scroll engraving shows his tremendous attention to detail and elegant designs. Titanium liners are anodized blue on the flats and purple in the fileworked bevels. The liners surround a black G-10 backspacer. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Excellent work throughout!


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