L53 Flipper with Damasteel, Marble Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L53 Flipper with Damasteel, Marble Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103739
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 8.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.04 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 4.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.2 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Zirconium hand engraved and inlaid with 24k gold and copper by Julien Marchal
Handle: Marble carbon fiber set on anodized titanium
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has silky-smooth, drop shut action. 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 IKBS knife was created 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. It is easily opened with the ambidextrous flipper tab. Andre is a master of IKBS and this folder has action that is as smooth as it gets!
The blade is hand ground stainless damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. This high performing stainless damascus is created using powder metallurgical steel manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for easy maintenance.
Marble 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 hand engraved in a watch motif. 24K gold and copper inlays provide elegant accents. Engraving and inlay was done by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. Titanium liners are anodized blue. The black G-10 backspacer keeps the knife light and fast. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Excellent 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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