L44 Compact with Marble Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44 Compact with Marble Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 100080
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.94 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.09 in.
Item weight: 4.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.8 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 60-61 Hrc
Bolster: Differentially anodized and textured zirconium
Handle: Marble carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura 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 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is formed from Carpenter's CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is an air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. This knife will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially polishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
Handle scales are formed from marble carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. This combination nicely complements the differentially anodized and engraved zirconium bolsters. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to scuffing and corrosion. Anodized and fileworked titanium liners surround a G-10 backbar. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic ball retention is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent 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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