L48 Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L48 Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97555
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 7.60 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: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.4 oz.
Blade: Satin finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved and anodized zirconium
Handle: Marbled carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura 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 N690 stainless steel, created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds onto it. Increased toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially finishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are formed from marbled carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. This combination nicely complements the anodized and engraved zirconium bolsters. The bolsters have an elegant iridescence that is captivating. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners and purple anodized fileworked bevels. The machined titanium pocket clip holds a ceramic retention ball and 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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