L54 Flipper with Blue/Silver Carbon Fiber and Gold Inlaid Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L54 Flipper with Blue/Silver Carbon Fiber and Gold Inlaid Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98078
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 7.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.89 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade: CTS-XHP with a differential finish, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Zirconium - inlaid with gold and engraved by Julien Marchal
Handle: Blue/silver carbon fiber
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
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. Andre is a master of IKBS and this folder has action that is as smooth as it gets!
The blade is formed from Carpenter's CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is an air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. This knife will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially polishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are blue/silver carbon fiber that have been nicely domed and polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. Zirconium bolsters have been engraved and inlaid with gold details 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. Titanium liners sit against red fiber spacers and have been hand fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and purple inside the bevels. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball 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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