L48 Flipper with Damasteel, Red Shred Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L48 Flipper with Damasteel, Red Shred Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 100823
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.92 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.4 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Zirconium engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Shred carbon fiber in red resin
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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action is as smooth as a knife gets!
The drop point blade is made from Vinland pattern 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 mirror polished nearly hiding the pattern in the flats. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from shred carbon fiber encapsulated in a dark red resin. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters have been engraved with scrollwork by Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal. Julien studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. This is among my favorite set of bolsters by Julien that I have seen to date. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Titanium liners have been hand fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and purple inside the bevels. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, 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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