L36M Front Flipper with Feather Damascus, Westinghouse Micarta, and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36M Front Flipper with Feather Damascus, Westinghouse Micarta, and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103166
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 5.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Zladinox stainless feather pattern damascus
Bolster: Zirconium - textured and engraved by Marietjie Thorburn
Handle: Antique Westinghouse Micarta
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS front flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth drop shut action. The front flipper opening is tremendously easy to use for quick deployment. The knife can be opened using the index finger or thumb. 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action is as smooth as a knife gets!
The clip point blade is made from feather pattern damascus forged from stainless steels by Zladinox in Russia. The exceptional pattern is revealed in the grinds while the flats are polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for easy maintenance.
Handle scales are formed from very rare antique Westinghouse Micarta set on titanium liners. This Micarta was developed in 1910 by Westinghouse Electric Corporation as an industrial thermo-set laminate for electrical insulation. This light toned Micarta was lost in a warehouse and only recently discovered. The surface shows the beautiful yellowing with age that makes this rare Micarta so captivating. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. Zirconium bolsters have been hand textured and engraved by Marietjie Thorburn, ensuring a dramatic, positive grip. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Fileworked and anodized titanium liners sit against red fiber spacers. The 3D machined pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-side, 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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