L36M Flipper with Blue C-Tek and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36M Flipper with Blue C-Tek and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 94630
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Total length: 8.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.05 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.11 in.
Item weight: 5.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.4 oz.
Blade: Satin finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved zirconium
Handle: Blue C-Tek
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder at an amazingly low price. The blade is perfectly centered and silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. The blade 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 drop point blade is formed from N690 stainless steel, a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds on to it. Increased toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By satin finishing the grinds and mirror polishing the flats, Andre has emphasized his clean grind lines.
The handle combines blue C-Tek with zirconium bolsters that are finely textured and engraved by Andre's wife. The bolsters have an elegant iridescence that is quite captivating. The bolsters provide a steadfast grip that is also very beautiful. Zirconium is a new material to the knifemaking world. It is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. Zirconium is highly resistant to corrosion.
C-Tek resin infused aluminum honeycomb handle material. This is a material that has been "in the works" since 1995. The material is absolutely stunning in its appearance and its ability to reflect light and gives a whole new depth to the knife making art.
Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners and red fiber spacers. The titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit throughout.


Availability: Not currently available