L36M Flipper with Silver Strike Carbon Fiber, Damascus, Engraved Zirconium, and Gold/Silver Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36M Flipper with Silver Strike Carbon Fiber, Damascus, Engraved Zirconium, and Gold/Silver Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 95758
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 5.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.2 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Zirconium inlaid with gold and silver engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Silver strike carbon fiber
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 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 and is as smooth as a knife gets!
The clip point blade is formed from stainless damascus forged by Damasteel. The captivating, high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from silver strike carbon fiber. This variation of lightning strike carbon fiber uses silver toned wire rather than copper. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters are engraved and inlaid with gold and silver accents by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. Zirconium is a new material to the knifemaking world. It is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. Zirconium is highly resistant to corrosion. The zirconium has a tremendous iridescence that is extremely enticing. Titanium liners sit against red fiber spacers and have been fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and purple inside the bevels. The titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


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