L48 Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium with Gold & Silver Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L48 Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium with Gold & Silver Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98060
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 4.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade: Carpenter CTS-XHP premium stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Zirconium inlaid with gold and silver accents and engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Marbled carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS 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 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 and this is as good as it gets!
The blade is made from premium CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is a new air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. The grinds are satin finished while the flats are mirror polished, showing off the crisp, clean grinds. It is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
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 the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters are deeply engraved and inlaid with 24kt gold and silver accents by Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal. Julien 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 set in the end of the clip makes it particularly easy to use.
Exceptional work 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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