L44 Compact Flipper with Shredded Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44 Compact Flipper with Shredded Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97552
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Differentially anodized and textured zirconium
Handle: Shredded 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 L44 Compact Flipper is a new design by Andre. While still having plenty of blade length at 3.4 inches, the smaller size allows it to be much more easily carried than his classic L44 Flipper design.
The blade is perfectly centered and has incredibly smooth action -- 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The N690 stainless steel blade is meticulously hand satin finished in the grinds and mirror polished on the flats. N690 is 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.
Handle scales are formed from shredded 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 differentially anodized and engraved zirconium bolsters. The bolsters have an elegant iridescence that is quite captivating. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion. The handle is completed with anodized and fileworked titanium liners and a 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic ball retention is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent fit and finish throughout!
BladeGallery.com is proud to be the exclusive distributor and recommended repair shop in the United States for André Thorburn's knives!


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