L51 Compact Flipper with Ironwood (Ceramic IKBS) - SG2 Damascus San Mai

Product Description for L51 Compact Flipper with Ironwood (Ceramic IKBS) - SG2 Damascus San Mai

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106350
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.45 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.2 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Handle: 3D contoured black G10 with presentation grade Arizona desert ironwood inlays
Sheath: 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. Recently, he introduced the updated and more pocket friendly L51 Compact. The slightly smaller size and light weight (only 3.6 oz!) make this a very easy knife to keep close at hand. The blade is perfectly centered, 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. Andre is a master of IKBS and this is as smooth as it knife gets!
The blade is stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any Thorburn knife ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The linear damascus reveals Andre's complex, super-clean grind. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are black G-10 with Arizona desert ironwood bowtie inlays for contrast. The custom pivot and pivot collar are TiAlN titanium. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The flipper doubles as a front guard that keeps your hand from sliding forward onto the blade. The gently rounded and 3D contoured handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly. It is completed with differentially anodized, fileworked titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the scales and carbon fiber backspacer. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-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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