L44 Flipper with Damascus, Blue Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Zirconium with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS) - LEFT HANDED!!

Product Description for L44 Flipper with Damascus, Blue Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Zirconium with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS) - LEFT HANDED!!

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 102562
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.07 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 5.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.2 oz.
Blade: Stainless Vinland pattern damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Engraved zirconium, inlaid with gold inlays
Handle: Blue lightning strike carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: This is a very rare LEFT HANDED Thorburn Flipper. Only a handful have ever been made, though we're encouraging him to continue to make them.
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 clip point blade is formed from Vinland pattern stainless damascus forged by Damasteel. This high performing stainless damascus is created using powder metallurgical steel manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Blue lightning strike carbon fiber scales have been nicely domed and polished. Copper strands move through the carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. Zirconium bolsters are meticulously engraved and inlaid with 24k gold accents 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. The detailed engraving depicts oak leaves and golden acorns. Anodized liners are light blue on the flats and purple in the filework. The G10 backbar keeps the knife light and fast. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for left-handed, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout on a very rare folder!
BladeGallery.com is proud to be the exclusive distributor and recommended repair shop in the United States for André Thorburn's knives!


Availability: Not currently available