Dragon's Crown Jewels (L20 Flipper) with SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for Dragon's Crown Jewels (L20 Flipper) with SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Garri Dadyan (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 102266
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.90 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.50 in.
Total length: 10.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.90 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 10.20 oz.
Blade: Damascus san mai blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Handle: 24k gold plated sterling silver with inlaid natural faceted gem stones
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: This spectacular folder is a collaboration between South African knifemaker André Thorburn and Garri Dadyan, National Artist of the (former) Soviet Union. The combination of their diverse skills results in one of the most dramatic and elegant knives ever made.
Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The action on his knives is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. Andre's mechanism and action is among the best to be found anywhere. 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
Handle scales were created by Garri Dadyan. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, Garri was named a National Master Artist of the (former) Soviet Union in 1985 for his unparalleled mastery of repousse metal work. In 1993, he became a member of the UNESCO International Federation of Artists in recognition of his superior artistry. A master metal worker, Mr. Dadyan employs the techniques of chasing, repousse, filigree and granulation, wax casting, engraving and niello with equal virtuosity. Working in solid sterling silver with precious gems, Garri brings old world mastery to the new world that no other knifemaker can emulate.
The clip point blade is formed from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any Thorburn knife ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The linear damascus reveals Andre's complex, super-clean grind. The flats are polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper allows for a very smooth and fast blade deployment.
The meticulously carved scales are formed from .925 sterling silver that was then plated with 24K gold. Between the two scales and the backbar, 220 grams of sterling silver are meticulously carved. The three dimensional scales depict detailed green man head shields (with 1.44mm faceted ruby eyes and 3mm faceted Iolite mouth), crossed daggers, and scrolls on both sides. The carved backbar culminates in a large dragon head with aquamarine inlaid into the eyes, a pearl inlaid into the mouth, and a ruby crown. Anodized and fileworked titanium liners surround the G10 backbar. The backbar features Garri's logo and a large inlaid amethyst. Natural gemstones are hand set throughout the handle.
Faceted natural gems include:
Diamonds - 2x 2.5mm, 8x 2mm
Ruby - 2x 3mm, 4x 1.55mm
Garnet - 1x 6mm, 24x 2mm
Iolite - 2x 3mm
Aquamarine - 2x 3.12mm, 2x 3mm
Citrine - 2x 3.5mm
Amethyst - 1x 10x7mm
Pearl - 1x 5.6mm


Availability: Not currently available