A6 Middi Interframe Flipper with Titanium, Silver Strike Carbon Fiber, and SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A6 Middi Interframe Flipper with Titanium, Silver Strike Carbon Fiber, and SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101356
Blade length: 3.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.00 in.
Total length: 7.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.16 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 2.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 3.2 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Handle: Titanium with silver strike carbon fiber inlays
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Folding frame lock with ceramic IKBS
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders at a tremendously high skill level. When they collaborate together, they make A2 knives. This A6 Middi knife is a midsize framelock version of the standard A6! The size is a perfect compromise between feeling great in the hand and easy to carry in the pocket!
The blade is perfectly centered and the action is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. The blade uses the 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 blade is made from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any A2 knife ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The linear damascus reveals Andre's complex, super-clean hand grind. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The handle frame is formed from titanium meticulously inlaid with silver strike carbon fiber. The inlays are flawless -- with the transition between the materials being nearly invisible. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The low profile handle feels sturdy and will carry in the pocket exceptionally well. The custom pivot is made from solid zirconium and features an integral titanium pivot collar. The ultra-light 3D machined zirconium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up, right-handed carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


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