L44 Flipper with Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

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

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97559
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.08 in.
Item weight: 5.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.4 oz.
Blade: Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Anodized and engraved zirconium
Handle: Carbon fiber
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has silky-smooth action. 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 IKBS knife was created 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. It is easily opened with the flipper. Andre is a master of IKBS and this folder has action that is as smooth as it gets!
The clip point N690 stainless steel blade is differentially finished to emphasize his clean grind lines. N690 is 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.
The scales are formed from carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters are hand engraved, textured, and anodized by Marietjie Thorburn, ensuring an elegant, positive grip. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Fileworked titanium liners are anodized blue on the flats and purple on the bevels and surround a G10 backbar. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work 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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