Bald Eagle: L36M Front Flipper with Thunderstorm Kevlar and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS) - Nitrobe 77

Product Description for Bald Eagle: L36M Front Flipper with Thunderstorm Kevlar and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS) - Nitrobe 77

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 106780
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.70 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.08 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 5.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 8 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished rare Nitrobe 77 martensitic stainless
Bolster: Engraved, textured and anodized zirconium
Handle: Thunderstorm Kevlar set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade of this elegant folder is perfectly centered with 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. 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 on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is hand ground Nitrobe 77 martensitic stainless. This is one of a very small number of Thorburn knives that have ever been made with Nitrobe 77. This powder based alloy represents a revolutionary combination of corrosion resistance and edge strength -- setting it apart from all other knife steels. Nitrogen replaces carbon as the martensite initiator in the hardening process. It is made from Rapid Solidification Powder (RSP) to reduce the sizes and quantities of unfavorable solidification structures. Finally, it undergoes a complicated triple tempering cycle including four cryogenic quenches in liquid nitrogen to give greater strength and a finer edge capability (finer grain structure) than the best high tech steels. The performance of this knife is at a totally different level! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are Thunderstorm Kevlar. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly. Zirconium bolsters are hand engraved, textured, and anodized by Marietjie Thorburn, ensuring a positive grip. The engraving shows a detailed bald eagle. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The handle is completed with anodized titanium liners. The 3D machined TiAlN titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout!
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