L51 Flipper with Black G10 and Raffir Fiber Inlays (Ceramic IKBS) - CTS-XHP

Product Description for L51 Flipper with Black G10 and Raffir Fiber Inlays (Ceramic IKBS) - CTS-XHP

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101901
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 5.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.4 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 60-61 Hrc
Handle: Brown Raffir Fiber inlaid into black G10
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has silky smooth action -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. It 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 Carpenter's premium 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 hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially polishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
Handle scales are formed from black G-10. Each scale is meticulously inlaid with Raffir Fiber Stripes Brown inlays. Raffir Fiber is a composite material based on natural plant fibres cast in a strong translucent resin. This gives the material a three dimmensonal appearance that few materials can replicate. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The flipper doubles as a front guard that keeps the hand from sliding forward onto the blade. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. The handle is completed with blue anodized and fileworked titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the scales. The custom titanium pivot is surrounded by a zirconium pivot collar. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry and features a ceramic ball for excellent pocket retention.
Excellent work 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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