L20 Flipper with Damasteel, Blue/Silver Carbon Fiber, and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L20 Flipper with Damasteel, Blue/Silver Carbon Fiber, and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106772
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.90 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.80 in.
Total length: 8.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.96 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged in Sweden by Damasteel
Bolster: Timascus titanium damascus with external zirconium pivot and collar
Handle: Blue/silver carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS front flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The action on this folder is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. The blade uses the 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. 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 this knife is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is hand ground stainless damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. 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 easy maintenance.
Handle scales are blue/silver carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. This combination nicely complements the titanium damascus (Timascus) bolsters. The heat colored zirconium custom pivot is surrounded by zirconium pivot collars. The handle is completed with differentially anodized and fileworked titanium liners. Screw hardware is TiAlN coated throughout. The 3D machined TiAlN coated titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right side, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout from a true master.


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