L50 Flipper with Shredded Carbon Fiber and Anodized Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L50 Flipper with Shredded Carbon Fiber and Anodized Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 94638
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Total length: 8.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.09 in.
Item weight: 5.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.4 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Textured and engraved zirconium
Handle: Shredded carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade of this full sized folder is perfectly centered and silky smooth -- 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. This is as smooth as a knife 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 differentially polishing the blade, Andre has emphasized his clean grind lines.
Like the blade, the handle is constructed for strength and durability. Shredded carbon fiber scales are nicely domed to fill out the hand. Shredded carbon fiber has a slight translucence, revealing hints of red fiber spacer set beneath. Zirconium bolsters are hand engraved, textured, and differentially anodized, ensuring a positive grip. 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. A pierced titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed tip-up carry. The handle is completed with blue anodized, fileworked titanium liners and red fiber spacers.
Excellent fit and finish throughout!


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