Shinkansen Bullet Front Flipper with Mother of Pearl and Damacore

Product Description for Shinkansen Bullet Front Flipper with Mother of Pearl and Damacore

Maker: Des Horn (click to see more by this maker)
Price: $1,600.00
Item num: 109275
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.70 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.71 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.8 oz.
Blade: Stainless Damacore san mai forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Damasteel
Handle: Whitelip mother of pearl set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Leather pocket pouch
Style: Front flipper style ball release folder (not automatic)
Description: Des Horn is one of the fathers of the South African knife industry. His influence can be clearly seen in other South African's work, but also extends into knives made around the world. Whether put to a daily carry folder or an art knife, his attention to detail and skill is legendary. This Shinkansen Bullet front flipper is an exceptional example of why Des' knives are legendary! The Shinkansen Bullet was inspired by Japan's renowned high speed rail (Shinkansen). In the mid 1990s, when Japanese engineers needed to quiet down the noise level of their high speed trains, they looked to nature for their inspiration. The new design that made travelling at 190 miles/hr was found in the shape of a kingfisher's head. Des' Shinkansen Bullet, with its sleek downturned tip was inspired by Japan's renowned bullet trains.
Des' craftsmanship means that this unusual locking mechanism works smoothly and comfortably. The inobtrusive front flipper is tremendously easy to use and won't get caught on things in your pocket. This style of flipper is designed to be rotated out with your thumb or index finger. Though it can be quickly flicked with practice, this style of front flipper is generally rotated out, rather than flicked.
The wharnecliffe blade is hand ground, high performing Damacore stainless damascus san mai (DC21R) forged by Damasteel in Sweden. This exciting steel combines a high performing core of powdered metallurgical RWL34, surrounded by alternating outer layers of stainless damascus (forged from RWL34 and PMC27 martensitic stainless steels). RWL34 has very high strength and toughness combined with extremely edge sharpness. The addition of molybdenum provides higher corrosion resistance compared to standard martensitic stainless steels. Des performs a particularly good heat treatment, resulting in optimal edge holding. The blade was hardened then cryogenically quenched in liquid nitrogen and double tempered. The indent and release balls are made from silicon nitride (Hrc 93!)
Premium whitelip mother of pearl handle scales are fit in an S-curve to Damasteel stainless damascus bolsters. The scales are set on hand fileworked anodized titanium liners that surround a stainless damascus backspacer. The contoured scales fill your hand and provide a comfortable grip.
A black leather pocket pouch makes it easy to keep this knife in your pocket.
Exceptional work throughout!


Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days