A6 Middi Classic Flipper with SG2 San Mai Damascus, Blackwood Carbon Fiber, and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A6 Middi Classic Flipper with SG2 San Mai Damascus, Blackwood Carbon Fiber, and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106389
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.10 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 7.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.18 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.09 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 3.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 4 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Bolster: Zirconium
Handle: Blackwood carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Folding liner lock with Ceramic IKBS
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. The A6 Middi is a midsize version of the standard A6! It is a nice compromise of feeling great in the hand and easy to carry in the pocket!
The blade is perfectly centered and has silky smooth, drop shut action -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. It 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. Thorburn and van Heerden created this special A6 Middi Classic 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 drop point blade is hand ground 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 A2 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 mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are blackwood carbon fiber, fit perfectly to heat colored zirconium bolsters. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is resistant to corrosion and scuffing. A Timascus titanium damascus pivot collar surrounds the custom zirconium pivot. Bronze anodized titanium liners surround a carbon fiber backbar. The zirconium pocket clip is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Excellent work throughout!
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