L36M Flipper with Blue Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36M Flipper with Blue Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101907
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.70 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.70 in.
Total length: 8.70 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.09 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 5.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.8 oz.
Blade: Mirror polished CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 60-61 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved zirconium
Handle: Blue lightning strike carbon fiber
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Folding flipper with ceramic IKBS bearing pivot
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky smooth action. The flipper opening is tremendously easy to use for quick deployment. When combined with the IKBS ball bearing system, the action is exceptional! The Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) was originally designed to fit balisong knives and 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is formed from Carpenter's CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is a new air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. At 61 Hrc, this knife will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hand hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. A mirror polish is exceptionally rare on a Thorburn these days.
The scales are blue lightning strike carbon fiber that have been nicely polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters have been engraved by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal 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. The zirconium has a tremendous iridescence that is extremely enticing. Titanium liners sit on red fiber spacers and have been fileworked and anodized. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
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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