L36M Flipper with Damascus, Mammoth Ivory, and Engraved Zirconium with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36M Flipper with Damascus, Mammoth Ivory, and Engraved Zirconium with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106374
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.70 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 6.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 8.2 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Mike Norris
Bolster: Zirconium - engraved and inlaid with 24K gold
Handle: Mammoth ivory bark set on anodized, fileworked titanium liners
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: 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 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is hand ground damascus forged from stainless steels by Mike Norris. The high contrast pattern is exceptionally dramatic and demands further inspection. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are ancient mammoth ivory bark. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly. Heat colored zirconium bolsters are engraved and inlaid with 24kt gold accents by Julien Marchal. 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 resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Fileworked and anodized titanium liners surround a matching engraved zirconium backbar.
Exceptional work throughout from a true master!
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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