SlimFlip Front Flipper with Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber and Damasteel - Nitrobe-77

Product Description for SlimFlip Front Flipper with Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber and Damasteel - Nitrobe-77

Maker: Des Horn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103803
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.82 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 4.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.2 oz.
Blade: Very rare Nitrobe-77 martensitic stainless, Hrc 61
Bolster: Damasteel stainless damascus
Handle: Lightning strike carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Linerlock front flipper with ceramic bearing pivot
Description: Des Horn is one of the fathers of the South African knife industry. His influence can be clearly seen in other South African's work, but also extends into knives made around the world. Whether put to a daily carry folder or an art knife, his attention to detail and skill is legendary. Des had the honor of being named one of the 25 greatest living knifemakers in the world in the Spring of 2021.
The SlimFlip is Des' lighter version of his renowned Imbuvu with a slight modification: a slightly extended front flipper for easier, faster opening. Lightning strike carbon fiber and titanium keep this knife as light and fast as it comes.
The blade on this SlimFlip is Nitrobe-77 martensitic stainless. This powder based alloy represents a revolutionary combination of corrosion resistance and edge strength -- setting it apart from all other knife steels. Nitrogen replaces carbon as the martensite initiator in the hardening process. It is made from Rapid Solidification Powder (RSP) to reduce the sizes and quantities of unfavorable solidification structures. Finally, it undergoes a complicated triple tempering cycle including four cryogenic quenches in liquid nitrogen to give greater strength and a finer edge capability (finer grain structure) than the best high tech steels. The performance of this knife is at a totally different level!
The blade is perfectly centered and has silky smooth action thanks to the ceramic ball bearing pivot. Generally 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. The blade is easily opened using the extended, inobtrusive front flipper mechanism. This style of flipper can be rotated out with the thumb or with a little practice, it can be quickly flicked open.
Lightning strike carbon fiber scales keep this EDC light yet strong. Bolsters formed from Damasteel stainless damascus add a nice contrast. Des hardened the damascus bolsters to ensure they would be more scuff resistant. The handle is completed with blue anodized and fileworked titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the lightning strike carbon fiber scales. This SlimFlip feels exceptional in the hand yet disappears in the pocket. The deep carry machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available