LL-B Front Flipper Folder With Zirconium and Antique Westinghouse Micarta (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for LL-B Front Flipper Folder With Zirconium and Antique Westinghouse Micarta (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: George Muller (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $980.00
Item num: 105541
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.50 in.
Total length: 7.90 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.00 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.05 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 4.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 10.3 oz.
Blade: Ladder stainless damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden
Handle: Heat colored zirconium inlaid with antique Westinghouse Micarta
Sheath: Zipper pouch and wood storage box
Style: Linerlock front flipper with ceramic IKBS bearing pivot
Description: South African knifemaker George Muller makes an exceptionally dramatic knife -- and at a price that would never be found from a US maker. Visiting with Muller during my trips to South Africa is always a highlight. The colors, textures and style all work perfectly together. The high contrast combination heat colored zirconium and antique Westinghouse Micarta immediately captures the eye and inspires the imagination.
The hollow ground blade is ladder pattern damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. The blade has smooth, drop-shut action and is easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous front 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 mad`e 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.
Handle scales are heat colored zirconium. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Each side of the handle is inlaid with rare antique Westinghouse Micarta. This Micarta was developed in 1910 by Westinghouse Electric Corporation as an industrial thermo-set laminate for electrical insulation. This light toned Micarta was lost in a warehouse and only recently discovered. The top shows the beautiful yellowing with age that makes this unique Micarta so captivating. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly.
Hand fileworked, anodized titanium liners surround a stainless steel backstrap. George Muller's signature is on the inside of the backspacer. The stainless damascus pocket clip is mounted for right-side, tip up carry.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days