L51 Flipper with SG2 Damascus San Mai and Desert Ironwood (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L51 Flipper with SG2 Damascus San Mai and Desert Ironwood (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99340
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.50 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 5.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.2 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Handle: 3D machined black G10 with Arizona desert ironwood inlays
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and this knife is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is formed from 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.
The scales are formed from 3D contoured Arizona desert ironwood inlaid into black G-10. These days, it is rare for Andre to work in natural materials, but when he con be convinced to do so, the results are truly spectacular. The domed profile provides a comfortable, secure grip. 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 gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. The handle is completed with bronze anodized titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the ironwood and G-10 scales. The titanium liners are hand fileworked. The machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit throughout.


Availability: Not currently available