L50 Flipper with Damascus San Mai, Blue/Black Lighting Strike Carbon Fiber and Anodized Titanium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L50 Flipper with Damascus San Mai, Blue/Black Lighting Strike Carbon Fiber and Anodized Titanium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99004
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.40 in.
Total length: 8.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.20 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 5.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Bolster: Differentially anodized and engraved titanium
Handle: Black/blue lightning strike carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade of this mid-sized folder is perfectly centered with silky smooth action -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. It 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 IKBS and this flipper has action that is as smooth as it gets!
The blade is formed from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder will have among the best edge holding of any Thorburn ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The lines in the steel reveal Andre's complex, super-clean grind. The flats are mirror polished. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Like the blade, the handle is constructed for strength and durability. Black/blue lightning strike carbon fiber scales are nicely domed to fill out the hand. Copper wires travel through the woven carbon strands. Titanium bolsters are hand engraved, textured, and differentially anodized, providing a steadfast grip that is tremendously beautiful and engaging. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right handed, tip-up carry. A ball bearing mounted on the end of the clip makes it particularly effective and easy to use.
Exceptional work throughout!


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