L44M Flipper with Damascus, Marbled Carbon Fiber and Zirconium - Engraved with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44M Flipper with Damascus, Marbled Carbon Fiber and Zirconium - Engraved with Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98045
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 4.00 in.
Total length: 8.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.09 in.
Item weight: 6.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Engraved and anodized zirconium with gold inlay
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 and 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 created this flipper 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and this folder has among the best action you will ever find.
The blade is formed from stainless damascus forged by Damasteel. The 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 marbled carbon fiber that has been nicely domed and polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. Engraved and anodized zirconium bolsters provide a steadfast grip that is also very beautiful. Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. The scroll engraving and gold inlay shows his tremendous attention to detail and elegant designs. The handle is completed with red spacers and titanium liners that are anodized blue on the flats and bronze on the bevels. A black G-10 backbar keeps the knife light and fast. The machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available