L44M Front Flipper with Carbon Fiber, Engraved Zirconium, and Damasteel (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44M Front Flipper with Carbon Fiber, Engraved Zirconium, and Damasteel (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103740
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.70 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.11 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 5.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.2 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Zirconium inlaid with fine silver and engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Fleece lined pouch
Style: Folding linerlock flipper with ceramic IKBS bearing pivot
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky smooth, drop-shut action. The inobtrusive front 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action is as smooth as a knife gets!
The clip point 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 an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly.
Engraved and anodized zirconium bolsters provide a steadfast grip that is also very beautiful. 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 highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The scroll engraving and fine silver inlay shows his tremendous attention to detail and elegant designs. The handle is completed with titanium liners that are anodized blue on the flats and purple on the bevels. The liners surround a black G10 backbar. The 3D machined TiAlN titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit and finish 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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