L36C Front Flipper with Antique Westinghouse Micarta and Zirconium - Stainless Yushoku (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36C Front Flipper with Antique Westinghouse Micarta and Zirconium - Stainless Yushoku (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 111757
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.96 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.09 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.02 in.
Item weight: 3.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.2 oz.
Blade: Stainless Yu-Shoku combining mokume cladding with a premium VG-10W stainless steel core
Bolster: Heat colored zirconium
Handle: Antique Westinghouse Micarta set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Leather zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has silky-smooth, drop shut action. 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 IKBS knife was created 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. It is easily opened with the flipper. Andre is a master of IKBS and this folder has action that is as smooth as it gets!
The blade is hand ground Stainless Yu-Shoku san mai made by Takefu Special Steel in Japan. This san mai features undulating, brightly colored brass, copper and stainless steel sides surrounding a VG-10W core. VG-10W achieves excellent wear resistance and chip resistance at 60-61 Hrc. The effect created by the mokume gane sides is extremely captivating!
Handle scales are antique Westinghouse Micarta. 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 top shows the beautiful yellowing with age that makes this unique Micarta so captivating. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters are heat colored. Blue anodized titanium liners surround an anodized titanium backbar. The backbar is meticulously hand engraved by Thorburn. The 3D machined titanium 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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