L36 Flipper - Dragon's Treasures (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36 Flipper - Dragon's Treasures (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Garri Dadyan (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101418
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.75 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 10.10 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.09 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 11.00 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Engraved zirconium with 24K gold plated silver overlay
Handle: Blue/black carbon fiber with 24k gold plated sterling silver overlays inlaid with faceted natural gemstones
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Linerlock flipper with ceramic IKBS bearing pivot
Description: This folder is a collaboration between South African knifemaker André Thorburn and Garri Dadyan, National Artist of the (former) Soviet Union. The combination of their diverse skills results in one of the most dramatic and elegant knives ever made.
Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The action on his knives is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. Andre's mechanism and action is among the best to be found anywhere. 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 perfectly centered.
The clip point blade is made from damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. This high performing stainless damascus steel is created using powder metallurgical manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. The bold damascus pattern is nicely shown in the high blade grind and nearly hidden in the flats. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Handle scales are formed from blue/black carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. Zirconium bolsters meet perfectly with the scales. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The bolsters are hand engraved by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa.
Overlays are made by Garri Dadyan from 24 kt gold plated sterling silver. Between the overlays and the backbar, 153 grams of sterling silver was meticulously carved. The three dimensional scrollwork is augmented with faceted natural gems. The carved backbar culminates in a large dragon head. The eyes are formed from 2.8mm faceted rubies. The dragon wears a 9mm faceted amethyst crown. The dragon holds a white pearl in its mouth. Fileworked and anodized titanium liners surround the detailed backbar. Faceted natural gemstones are hand set throughout:
Rubies - 2x 2.8mm, 2x 2.9mm
Garnets - 2x 4mm, 1x 7mm
Citrine - 2x 4.5mm
Amethyst - 1x 9mm
Topaz - 1x 8.56mm, 2x 5mm
Diamonds - 4x 3mm, 4x 2mm
Peridot - 2x 5mm
Pearl - 1x
Excellent fit and finish throughout!


Availability: Not currently available