L20 Flipper with Blue Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L20 Flipper with Blue Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98023
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.90 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.05 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.92 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.14 in.
Item weight: 5.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished premium Bohler M390 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved and textured zirconium
Handle: Blue lightning strike carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth action . The flipper opening is tremendously 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The drop point blade is formed from M390 stainless steel, a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds on to it due to its high concentration of vanadium and chromium carbides. Its unique powder metallurgical process also promotes a uniform carbide distribution and clean steel properties, making M390 a popular steel used in surgical cutting instruments and in applications requiring a high finish. It offers excellent corrosion resistance due to its high concentration of chromium. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from blue lightning strike carbon fiber. Copper wire is woven through the carbon strands. Lightning strike carbon fiber was designed for the military to deflect lightning from fighter jets. 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. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners and a 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent fit and finish throughout!


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