L51 Compact Flipper with 3D Green/Black Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L51 Compact Flipper with 3D Green/Black Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 104078
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.94 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.4 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 60-61 Hrc
Handle: 3D contoured green/black carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. His most popular folder of all time is the iconic L51 flipper. The slightly smaller, more pocket friendly L51 Compact is a very easy knife to keep close at hand. The blade is perfectly centered and with silky smooth action -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. It uses the IKBS (Ikoma Korth Bearing System) pivot system. This mechanism, which was originally designed to fit balisong knives, 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. This is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is hand ground CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is an air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. This knife will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially polishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
Handle scales are green/black carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The flipper doubles as a front guard that keeps the hand from sliding forward onto the blade. The 3D machined, gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. It is completed with blue anodized, fileworked titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the scales and titanium backspacer. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for side, tip-up carry and features a ceramic ball for excellent pocket retention.
Exceptional fit 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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