A6 Middi Interframe Framelock Flipper with Copper Snakeskin Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS) - SG2

Product Description for A6 Middi Interframe Framelock Flipper with Copper Snakeskin Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS) - SG2

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103273
Blade length: 3.10 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.18 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 3.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 3.6 oz.
Blade: SG2 stainless steel, hardened to 64 Hrc
Handle: Titanium inlaid with copper snakeskin carbon fiber
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS framelock flipper
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders at a tremendously high skill level. When they collaborate together, they make A2 knives. This A6 Middi knife is a midsize framelock version of the standard A6! The size is a great compromise between feeling great in the hand and easy to carry in the pocket!
The blade is perfectly centered and the action is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. The blade 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 A6 Middi 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.
The blade is formed from SG2 stainless steel with a hand rubbed satin finish. SG2 is a super-steel created by Takefu Steel in Japan. The smaller crystalline size of this PM steel results in superior edge holding when compared to nearly any stainless steel. At Hrc 64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any A2 knife ever made The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The handle is formed from titanium inlaid with copper snakeskin carbon fiber on both sides of the knife. The inlays are flawless -- with the transition between the materials being nearly invisible. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The low profile handle feels sturdy and will carry in the pocket exceptionally well. An internal lockbar stabilizer will prevent the lock from accidental over travel. The custom pivot is made from solid zirconium and features an integral titanium pivot collar. SG2 is engraved on the inside of the handle. The polished 3D machined zirconium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up, right-side carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available