A6 Middi Classic Flipper with Westinghouse Micarta and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A6 Middi Classic Flipper with Westinghouse Micarta and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101350
Blade length: 3.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.00 in.
Total length: 7.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.18 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.2 oz.
Blade: Premium CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 60-61 Hrc
Bolster: Zirconium
Handle: Antique Westinghouse Micarta
Sheath: Padded zipper pouch
Style: Folding liner lock with ceramic IKBS
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders. When they work together, they create A2 knives. A2 collaborated on this knife with French designer Tashi Bharucha! Tashi's bold, modernistic curves are readily apparent, and combined with A2's acute attention to detail, the results are a precision made piece with artful execution! The A6 Middi Classic is a midsize version of the standard A6! It is a nice compromise of feeling great in the hand and easy to carry in the pocket!
The blade is perfectly centered with silky smooth action -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. It runs on an IKBS (Ikoma Korth Bearing System) pivot. This mechanism, which was originally designed to fit balisong knives, uses ball bearings to create exceptional action with no blade play. Thorburn and van Heerden created this special A6 Middi 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.
The drop point 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 hand hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. Differentially finishing the blade, emphasizes the clean grind lines.
Handle scales are formed from very rare antique Westinghouse Micarta. This Micarta was developed in 1910 by Westinghouse Electric Corporation as an industrial thermo-set laminate for electrical insulation. This light toned Micarta was lost in a warehouse and only recently discovered. The surface shows the beautiful yellowing with age that makes this rare Micarta so captivating. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. The scales meet with heat colored zirconium bolsters. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Custom pivot screws are also formed from heat colored zirconium. Titanium liners are anodized blue and surround a matching Westinghouse Micarta backbar. The zirconium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent work throughout!


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