L53 Flipper with Silver Strike Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L53 Flipper with Silver Strike Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98070
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 8.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.4 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished premium CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Handle: Contoured silver strike carbon fiber and anodized zirconium oversized pivot
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade of this elegant folder is perfectly centered with silky 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is formed from Carpenter's CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is a new air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. This steel will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially polishing the blade, Andre has emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are formed from silver strike carbon fiber. Silver toned wires are woven into the carbon strands in this variation of lightning strike carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. Titanium liners are anodized blue and surround a black G10 backbar. The oversized pivot is made from zirconium and is anodized green. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The 3D machined titanium pocketclip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry. The extended backbar allows the easy addition of a lanyard.
Excellent 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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