L36 Flipper - True Love with Damasteel and Sterling Silver (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36 Flipper - True Love with Damasteel and Sterling Silver (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Garri Dadyan (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 100565
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 8.25 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): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 9.60 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Handle: 24k gold plated sterling silver inlaid with natural rubies, garnets, citrine, amethyst, topaz, sapphire, diamonds, and peridot
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: This spectacular folder is a collaboration between South African knifemaker André Thorburn and Garri Dadyan, National Artist of the (former) Soviet Union. The combination of their diverse skills results in one of the most dramatic knives ever made. This knife was kept in a private collection since it was made. By all appearanes it is in brand new, unused condition.
In this spectacular knife, Garri features stunning carved peacocks partnered with a dragon as an homage to ancient Chinese culture. In Chinese culture, the peacock is considered a manifestation of the heavenly Phoenix born on earth. It is commonly paired with the dragon. In Feng Shui, they are considered to be the ultimate symbol of love and marital joy. Dragon is the 'yin' while phoenix is the 'yang', a perfect balance that is needed for a successful married life. This celestial couple is the symbol of everlasting love and together, they are the ultimate symbol of marital happiness. It symbolizes that the spouses will stay together through thick and thin, and that love and passion will last till the end. They ensure that a newlywed couple will be blessed with luck, outstanding achievement in life, along with great fortune and prosperity. The Dragon when placed together with the Phoenix not only strengthens relationships, but it can even relight the fires of a relationship with the fiery energy of the Phoenix. It is also the perfect symbol for a person looking to find true love.
Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The action on his knives is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. Andre's mechanism and action is among the best to be found anywhere. 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 made from damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. This high performing stainless damascus steel is created using powder metallurgical manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. The bold damascus pattern is nicely shown in the high blade grind and nearly hidden in the flats. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper allows for a very smooth and fast blade deployment. The blade is perfectly centered.
The meticulously carved scales are formed from .925 sterling silver. Between the two scales and the backbar, 209 grams of sterling silver are meticulously carved. The three dimensional scales depict detailed peacocks, scrolls, and a rose on both sides. The carved backbar culminates in a large dragon with rubies inlaid into the eyes and a amethyst crown. Anodized titanium liners surround the fileworked gold plated sterling silver backbar. Natural gemstones are hand set throughout.
Faceted natural gems include:
Rubies - 2x 3mm, 2x 1.5mm
Garnets - 2x 3mm
Citrine - 2x 3.5mm, 2x 2.5mm
Amethyst - 1x 8mm, 2x 2.5mm
Topaz - 2x 4.5mm, 2x 3.5mm
Peridot - 2x 3mm, 2x 2mm
Diamonds - 8x 2mm
Peridot - 4x 4.5mm


Availability: Not currently available