Swimming Koi: L50 Flipper with Shredded Carbon Fiber, Damascus, and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for Swimming Koi: L50 Flipper with Shredded Carbon Fiber, Damascus, and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97563
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 8.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.20 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.08 in.
Item weight: 5.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.6 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Zirconium - engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Shredded carbon fiber
Sheath: Zippered pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS front 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 drop 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 shredded carbon fiber. 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 meticulously engraved in a swimming koi theme 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. 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 machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry. A ceramic ball bearing on the end makes it particularly effective.
Exceptional work throughout!


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