L51 Flipper with Carbon Fiber, Gold Dust Shred Carbon Fiber, and Damasteel (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L51 Flipper with Carbon Fiber, Gold Dust Shred Carbon Fiber, and Damasteel (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101336
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.90 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 4.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.6 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Custom zirconium pivot collar and pivot
Handle: Carbon fiber with gold dust shred carbon fiber inlays
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and with silky smooth action -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous 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 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 this knife is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is formed from stainless damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. This high performing stainless damascus is created using powder metallurgical steel manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for easy maintenance.
The scales are formed from carbon fiber with translucent gold dust shred carbon fiber inlays. The inlay is meticulously performed and virtually imperceptible. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The flipper doubles as a front guard that keeps the hand from sliding forward onto the blade. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. Titanium liners are fileworked and differentially anodized. The custom zirconium pivot is surrounded by a zirconium pivot collar. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry and features a ceramic ball for excellent pocket retention.
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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