L44 Flipper with Thunderstorm Kevlar and Anodized Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44 Flipper with Thunderstorm Kevlar and Anodized Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 94668
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.90 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.08 in.
Item weight: 6.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Satin finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Textured, engraved, and differentially anodized zirconium
Handle: Thunderstorm Kevlar
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and super-smooth! The flipper opening is easy to use for quick deployment. When 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. 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 clip point blade is formed from N690 stainless steel, a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds onto 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 emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are Thunderstorm Kevlar that has been nicely domed and polished. This rare and exciting variation on lightning strike carbon fiber combines brass wire woven into Kevlar strands. Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper allows for silky-smooth and fast blade deployment.
Zirconium bolsters have been textured, engraved, and differentially anodized, providing a steadfast grip that is also very beautiful. 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. Titanium liners have been hand fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and purple inside the bevels. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


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