L54 Flipper with Blue/Black Carbon Fiber, Engraved Zirconium, and Silver Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L54 Flipper with Blue/Black Carbon Fiber, Engraved Zirconium, and Silver Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97173
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.6 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Zirconium inlaid with silver and engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Blue/black carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder and this is his work at its best!
The blade is perfectly centered and 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. 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. This is as smooth as a knife gets!
The drop 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.
Like the blade, the handle is constructed for strength and durability. Blue/black carbon fiber scales are nicely domed to fill out the hand. Zirconium bolsters are deeply engraved and inlaid with 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 3D milled clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent fit and finish throughout!


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