A6 Middi Premium with Damasteel, Arctic Storm FatCarbon, and SG2 Damascus San Mai (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A6 Middi Premium with Damasteel, Arctic Storm FatCarbon, and SG2 Damascus San Mai (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101360
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
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): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.09 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.4 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Bolster: Damasteel
Handle: Arctic Storm FatCarbon carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Padded 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 Premium 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 blade is formed from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder will have among the best edge holding of any A2 ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The lines in the steel reveal Thorburn's complex, super-clean hand grind. The flats are mirror polished. The blade is hollow ground for easy maintenance.
Handle scales are formed from Arctic Storm carbon fiber made by FatCarbon. This dramatic composite material creates a damascene pattern using thin layers of ceramic and carbon fiber. The unique carbon fiber produces a beautiful chatoyancy that reflects light exceptionally. The carbon fiber nicely complements the Damasteel bolsters and custom Damasteel pivot. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. It is completed with blue anodized titanium liners and a matching Arctic Storm FatCarbon backbar. The 3D machined zirconium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up, right handed carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


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