A5 Classic Flipper with Antique Westinghouse Micarta (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A5 Classic Flipper with Antique Westinghouse Micarta (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97952
Blade length: 2.90 in.
Cutting edge length: 2.75 in.
Total length: 6.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.00 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 3.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.2 oz.
Blade: N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Zirconium
Handle: Antique Westinghouse Micarta set on titanium liners
Sheath: Fleece lined pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style liner lock
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders. When they collaborate together, they make A2 knives. This knife is a smaller version of the A3, making it a much more carry friendly version! The action on this A5 is as good as it gets.
The blade is perfectly centered and the action is silky smooth -- 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 A6 Mini Classic 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 N690 stainless 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.
The scales are formed from very rare antique Westinghouse Micarta and are fit to anodized zirconium bolsters. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners, which in turn surround a Westinghouse Micarta back spacer. The ultra-light machined zirconium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up, right-handed carry.
Exceptional work throughout


Availability: Not currently available