L44M Flipper with Thunderstorm Kevlar and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44M Flipper with Thunderstorm Kevlar and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98994
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.75 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): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 5.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.6 oz.
Blade: CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 61 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved and differentially anodized zirconium
Handle: Thunderstorm Kevlar
Sheath: Padded 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 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 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 Thunderstorm Kevlar. This variation on lightning strike carbon fiber has brass wires travelling through the woven Kevlar. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. This combination nicely complements the anodized and engraved zirconium bolsters. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners with bronze anodized filed bevels and red fiber spacers. 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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