L36 Flipper - World Powers with SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36 Flipper - World Powers with SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Garri Dadyan (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99953
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 9.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.11 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 11.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 13.4 oz.
Blade: Damascus san mai blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Handle: Sterling silver inlaid with natural rubies, garnets, citrine, amethyst, topaz, sapphire, diamonds, and peridot
Sheath: Fleece lined pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: This spectacular folder is a collaboration between South African knifemaker André Thorburn and Garri Dadyan, National Artist of the (former) Soviet Union. The combination of their diverse skills results in one of the most dramatic knives ever made. This knife was kept in a private collection since it was made, and by all appearances it is in brand new, unused condition.
Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The action on his knives is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. Andre's mechanism and action is among the best to be found anywhere. 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
Handle scales were created by Garri Dadyan. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, Garri was named a National Master Artist of the (former) Soviet Union in 1985 for his unparalleled mastery of repousse metal work. In 1993 he became a member of the UNESCO International Federation of Artists in recognition of his superior artistry. A master metal worker, Mr. Dadyan employs the techniques of chasing, repousse, filigree and granulation, wax casting, engraving and niello with equal virtuosity. Working in solid sterling silver with precious gems, Garri brings old world mastery to the new world that no other knifemaker can emulate. Garri is able to create a highly sculpted handle that none-the-less is tremendously comfortable to hold and use.
The clip point blade is formed from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any Thorburn knife ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The linear damascus reveals Andre's complex, super-clean grind. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper allows for a very smooth and fast blade deployment.
The meticulously carved scales are formed from .925 sterling silver. Between the two scales and the backbar, 232 grams of sterling silver were meticulously carved. The three dimensional scales depict detailed 24K gold plated American eagles and sculpted sterling silver scrollwork with faceted gems. The carved backbar culminates in a large 24K gold plated Chinese dragon head with topaz inlaid into the eyes and a ruby crown. Anodized titanium liners surround the fileworked sterling silver backbar. Natural gemstones are hand set throughout.
Faceted natural gems include:
Rubies - 4x 3mm, 1x 6.3mm (1.33 CT)
Garnets - 2x 4.75mm
Citrine - 2x 3.5mm
Amethyst - 2x 5mm
Topaz - 4x 3.5mm, 2x 2.5mm
Yellow Sapphire - 2x 3mm
Blue Sapphire - 8x 2.5mm, 4x 1.5mm
Diamonds - 6x 2.5mm
Peridot - 2x 5mm
Exceptional fit and finish throughout -- combining the efforts of two exemplary masters! This knife will be at the center of any collection!


Availability: Not currently available