L36S with Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36S with Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 96928
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 7.33 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.90 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 3.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.0 oz.
Blade: RWL-34 stainless steel, hardened to 59-60 Hrc
Bolster: Zirconium inlaid with gold scrolls and engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Folding liner lock with ceramic IKBS
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky smooth action -- 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The clip point blade is formed from premium RWL-34 stainless steel. RWL 34 is a powder metallurgy cutlery steel manufactured by ERASTEEL in Söderfors, Sweden. Because it is made from rapidly solidified powders, the microstructure of the steel is much more uniform. This gives the steel much higher strength and resistance to chipping. It is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Heat colored zirconium bolsters are deeply engraved and inlaid with 24kt gold scrolls by Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal. Julien 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 highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Titanium liners sit against red fiber spacers and have been fileworked and differentially anodized with blue flats and purple inside the bevels. The machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!
BladeGallery.com is proud to be the exclusive distributor and recommended repair shop in the United States for André Thorburn's knives!


Availability: Not currently available