A3 Flipper with Black and Orange G10 (IKBS with Ceramic Bearings)

Product Description for A3 Flipper with Black and Orange G10 (IKBS with Ceramic Bearings)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 93140
Blade length: 3.70 in.
Total length: 8.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.20 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.10 in.
Item weight: 6.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Handle: Black G10 with orange G10 inlay
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Liner lock with flipper (IKBS with ceramic bearings)
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders at an amazingly low price. They recently decided to collaborate on knives together -- creating their A2 knives.
The blade is perfectly centered and silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and 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. The A3 uses two tracks of ball bearings, rather than just one. While increasing the cost due to the extra bearings, it produces unparalleled smooth action without play -- even more so than a standard IKBS mechanism. Thorburn and van Heerden created this special A3 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 clip point blade is formed from N690 stainless steel, a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds on to it. Increased toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from black G10. Orange G10 inlays add exceptional contrast. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners. The ultra-light black G10 pocket clip is mounted for tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit throughout.


Availability: Not currently available