L36L Flipper with Gold Camo FatCarbon and Zirconium (Multi-Row Ceramic IKBS) - M390
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Out of stock
Product Description for L36L Flipper with Gold Camo FatCarbon and Zirconium (Multi-Row Ceramic IKBS) - M390
Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 111910
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 4.33 in.
Cutting edge length: 4.00 in.
Total length: 9.90 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.24 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 7.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 9.8 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished premium M390 stainless steel, hardened to 61 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved and anodized zirconium
Handle: Gold Camo FatCarbon set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Linerlock flipper with double row IKBS ceramic bearing pivot
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder.
The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth, drop-shut action -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. The blade 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 L36L Flipper uses two tracks of ball bearings, rather than just one. This produces unparalleled smooth action without play -- even more so than a standard IKBS mechanism. Thorburn created this special knife 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 hand ground M390 stainless steel, a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds onto it due to its high concentration of vanadium and chromium carbides. Its unique powder metallurgical process also promotes a uniform carbide distribution and clean steel properties, making M390 a popular steel used in surgical cutting instruments and in applications requiring a high finish. It offers excellent corrosion resistance due to its high concentration of chromium. The blade is hollow ground for easy maintenance.
Handle scales are Gold Camo FatCarbon. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly. This combination nicely complements heat colored zirconium bolsters that are engraved by Marietjie Thorburn with gold scroll engraving. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The handle is completed with blue anodized and fileworked titanium liners. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Excellent work throughout!
