L28 Flipper with G10 and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS) - Neosteel

Product Description for L28 Flipper with G10 and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS) - Neosteel

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99751
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.90 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 3.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.0 oz.
Blade: Premium Neosteel with a hand rubbed stain finish (Hrc 61-62)
Bolster: Zirconium - textured, engraved, anodized, and heat colored by Marietjie Thorburn
Handle: Layered G-10 set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is hand ground Neosteel. It is one of only a handful of knives that Andre has made with this rare, premium steel. Thorburn worked with a German steel producer to have a small run of steel made to his specifications. By having the steel made with his exact chemical makeup requirements, he was able to have a steel that would be his ideal performance with an amazing combination of chip resistance and edge retention. Regrettably, this means that there will only be a very small number of knives ever made with this exceptional, rare steel. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially finishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are formed from layered G-10. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly. This combination nicely complements the anodized, heat colored, textured and engraved zirconium bolsters. The bolsters have an elegant iridescence that is captivating. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball and is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit and finish 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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