A6 Mini Flipper with Nitrobe 77 and Marbled Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A6 Mini Flipper with Nitrobe 77 and Marbled Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99200
Blade length: 2.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 2.75 in.
Total length: 6.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.05 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 2.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 4 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished rare Nitrobe 77 martensitic stainless
Handle: Marbled carbon fiber
Sheath: Zipper case
Style: Folding liner lock with ceramic IKBS
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders at a tremendously high skill level. When they collaborate together, they make A2 knives. This knife is a miniature version of the standard A6 making it a much more carry-friendly version!
The blade is perfectly centered and the action is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. The blade 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 and van Heerden created this special A6 Mini 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.
The blade is formed from Nitrobe 77 martensitic stainless. This powder based alloy represents a revolutionary combination of corrosion resistance and edge strength -- setting it apart from all other knife steels. Nitrogen replaces carbon as the martensite initiator in the hardening process. It is made from Rapid Solidification Powder (RSP) to reduce the sizes and quantities of unfavorable solidification structures. Finally, it undergoes a complicated triple tempering cycle including four cryogenic quenches in liquid nitrogen to give greater strength and a finer edge capability (finer grain structure) than the best high tech steels. The performance of this knife is at a totally different level! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are formed from marbled carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. The pivot screws and collar are made from zirconium. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners. The ultra-light titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up, right-handed carry.
Exceptional work throughout.


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