A9 Flipper with Carbon Fiber and Blue C-Tek (Double Row Ceramic IKBS) - CTS-XHP

Product Description for A9 Flipper with Carbon Fiber and Blue C-Tek (Double Row Ceramic IKBS) - CTS-XHP

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101823
Blade length: 3.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.45 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.05 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 3.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 4 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 60 Hrc
Bolster: Zirconium pivot and collar
Handle: Carbon fiber with blue C-Tek inlays
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Linerlock flipper with ceramic IKBS bearing pivot
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders. When they work together, they create A2 knives. The A9 Flipper is a midsize version of the standard A3. 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 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 A9 Front Flipper 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. This A9 Flipper uses two tracks of ball bearings, rather than just one. This produces unparalleled smooth action without play -- even more so than a standard IKBS mechanism.
The blade is made from premium CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is a new air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. The grinds are satin finished while the flats are mirror polished, showing off the crisp, clean grinds. The blade is hand hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are formed from carbon fiber and feature blue C-Tek inlays. This is a material that has been in the works since 1995. It is absolutely stunning in its appearance and its ability to reflect light. C-Tek gives a whole new depth to the knifemaking art. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. The backbar is made from carbon fiber. The custom pivot and collar are made from zirconium. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners. The ultra-light titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up, right-handed carry.
Exceptional work throughout!
BladeGallery.com is proud to be the exclusive distributor and recommended repair shop in the United States for A2 Knives!


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