A9 Front Flipper with Nitrobe 77 and Carbon Fiber (Dual Row Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A9 Front Flipper with Nitrobe 77 and Carbon Fiber (Dual Row Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 102368
Blade length: 3.25 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.04 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 3.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 3.8 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished Nitrobe 77 martensitic stainless
Handle: Carbon fiber
Sheath: Padded case
Style: Folding liner lock with ceramic dual row IKBS
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders. When they work together, they create A2 knives. The new A9 Front Flipper is a midsize version of the standard A3, but converted to work as a front flipper. 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 discreet and 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 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 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 inobtrusive front flipper tab is easy to use and won't get caught on things in the pocket.
The blade is formed from Nitrobe 77 martensitic stainless. This powder-based alloy represents a revolutionary combination of corrosion resistance and edge strength -- setting it apart from all other knife steels. Nitrogen replaces carbon as the martensite initiator in the hardening process. It is made from Rapid Solidification Powder (RSP) to reduce the sizes and quantities of unfavorable solidification structures. Finally, it undergoes a complicated triple tempering cycle including four cryogenic quenches in liquid nitrogen to give greater strength and a finer edge capability (finer grain structure) than the best high tech steels. The performance of this knife is at a totally different level! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are formed from carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. 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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