L36M Flipper with Black G10 (Ceramic IKBS) - RWL-34

Product Description for L36M Flipper with Black G10 (Ceramic IKBS) - RWL-34

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 100077
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.70 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.00 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 4.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 6 oz.
Blade: Premium RWL-34 stainless steel, hardened to 60-61 Hrc
Bolster: Textured and engraved stainless steel
Handle: Black G-10 set on anodized titanium
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
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 RWL-34 stainless steel. RWL-34 is a premium 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 cracks and chips. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially finishing the hand ground blade, Andre has emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are formed from black G-10. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
The scales meet perfectly with the stainless steel bolsters that have been hand textured and engraved by Marietjie Thorburn ensuring a dramatic, positive grip. Titanium liners are anodized blue with purple filed bevels and surround a black G10 backbar. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent work 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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