L48 Flipper with Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium and SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L48 Flipper with Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium and SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97158
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.4 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Bolster: Zirconium engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Carbon fiber
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth action. The flipper opening is tremendously easy to use for quick deployment. 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 folder is made 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is formed from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any Thorburn knife ever made. The blade satin finished for an understated effect. The satin finished grinds nearly hide the linear damascus patterns. The blade is hollow ground for easy maintenance.
The scales are carbon fiber that has been nicely domed and polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters have been engraved 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 transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Blue anodized titanium liners sit against red fiber spacers and have been hand fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and purple inside the bevels. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit and finish 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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