L54 Flipper with Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS) - Neosteel

Product Description for L54 Flipper with Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS) - Neosteel

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99772
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.70 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 7.90 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.2 oz.
Blade: Premium Neosteel with a hand rubbed stain finish (Hrc 61-62)
Bolster: Zirconium - engraved and anodized by Marietjie Thorburn
Handle: Carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth 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 the action is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is formed from Neosteel. It is one of only a handful of knives that Andre has made with this unique steel. Thorburn had the opportunity to have a small run of steel made to his specifications. By having the steel made with his exact chemical makeup requirements, he was able to have a steel that would be his ideal performance with an amazing combination of chip resistance and edge retention. While he was able to get the performance attributes he had hoped for, he hadn't considered that it would also be among the most difficult steels to grind and finish that he had ever encountered. Regrettably, this means that there will only be a very small number of knives ever made with this exceptional unique steel. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially finishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are formed from carbon fiber. 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. The bolsters have an elegant iridescence that is captivating. 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 bronze anodized titanium liners. The machined titanium pocket clip holds a ceramic retention ball and 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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