L45 Flipper with Olive Green Micarta and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L45 Flipper with Olive Green Micarta and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98516
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.50 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.90 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 3.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.0 oz.
Blade: Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved and textured zirconium
Handle: Olive Green Micarta set on andoized titanium liners
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 with silky-smooth, drop-shut action. The flipper opening is tremendously easy to use for quick deployment. 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 pivot, and this is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is hand ground N690 stainless steel, created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds onto it. Increased toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially finishing the blade, Andre has emphasized his clean grind lines.
Handle scales are olive green Micarata. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out your hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters are hand engraved, textured, and anodized by Marietjie Thorburn, ensuring an elegant positive grip. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Fileworked titanium liners are differentially anodized. The liners surround a black G10 backbar. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent 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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