L51 Compact Flipper with Layered Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L51 Compact Flipper with Layered Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99784
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.70 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.4 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Handle: 3D machined layered carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. His most popular folder of all time is the iconic L51 flipper. Recently, he introduced the updated and more pocket friendly L51 Compact. The slightly smaller size and light weight (only 3.8 oz!) makes this a very easy knife to keep close at hand. The blade is perfectly centered with silky smooth action -- 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. 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 mechanism and this is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is formed from Carpenter's CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is an air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. This knife will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially polishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are formed from 3D contoured layered carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The flipper doubles as a front guard that keeps the hand from sliding forward onto the blade. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. It is completed with bronze anodized, fileworked titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the carbon fiber scales and surround a matching titanium backspacer. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry and features a ceramic ball for secure pocket retention.
Exceptional fit 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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