A3 Flipper with Damascus and Marbled Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A3 Flipper with Damascus and Marbled Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Andre Van Heerden (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 96288
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.20 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 5.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.8 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Handle: Marbled carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch and hard case
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create folders with some of the best action to be found anywhere. When they work together, they work under the A2 name. Given the incredible level of their work, it should come as no surprise that they won Best Tactical Folder at the 2016 USN Gathering.
The blade is perfectly centered with silky smooth action -- 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. Thorburn and van Heerden created this special A3 flipper 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 formed from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder will have among the best edge holding of any A2 ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The lines in the steel reveal Andre's complex, super-clean grind. The flats are mirror polished. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from marbled carbon fiber. They are domed for a comfortable, secure grip. The handle is completed with anodized titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the marbled carbon fiber scales. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry. A ball bearing mounted on the end of the pocket clip makes it very easy to slip on the pocket.
Absolutely exceptional!


Availability: Not currently available