L54 Flipper with Giraffe Bone, Engraved Zirconium, and Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L54 Flipper with Giraffe Bone, Engraved Zirconium, and Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101426
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.90 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 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: Stabilized giraffe bone
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. It's rare to find Thorburn knives with natural handle materials. When he can be convinced to make them, they are truly exceptional and unique. The action on this folder is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. The blade 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 hand hollow ground for easy maintenance.
Handle scales are formed from stabilized giraffe bone. The scales are domed and nicely polished. Red fiber spacers add a nice contrast. Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper allows for a smooth and fast blade deployment.
Zirconium bolsters are engraved by Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal. Julien studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. Zirconium is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Titanium liners are hand fileworked and anodized blue. The 3D machined pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry. A ceramic retention ball makes the clip particularly easy to use.
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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