L50 Flipper with Blue/Black Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L50 Flipper with Blue/Black Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 94637
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.40 in.
Total length: 8.20 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.09 in.
Item weight: 5.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.6 oz.
Blade: Satin finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved and anodized zirconium
Handle: Blue/black carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has silky-smooth action. When the flipper is 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. Thorburn created this special L50 Flipper 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 action is as smooth as it gets.
The drop point blade is formed from N690 stainless steel, a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds on to it. Increased toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By satin finishing the grinds and mirror polishing the flats, Andre has emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are formed from blue/black 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 quite captivating. Zirconium is a new material to the knifemaking world. It is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. Zirconium is highly resistant to corrosion. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners and red fiber spacers. The pierced titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


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