L28 Flipper - Golden Peacock (Ceramic IKBS) - SG2

Product Description for L28 Flipper - Golden Peacock (Ceramic IKBS) - SG2

Maker: Garri Dadyan (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 101486
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 8.25 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.86 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 6.40 oz.
Shipment weight: 7.2 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Handle: 24K gold plated sterling silver
Style: Linerlock flipper with IKBS bearing pivot
Description: This spectacular 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!
Handle scales were created by Garri Dadyan. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, Garri was named a National Master Artist of the (former) Soviet Union in 1985 for his unparalleled mastery of repousse metal work. In 1993, he became a member of the UNESCO International Federation of Artists in recognition of his superior artistry. A master metal worker, Mr. Dadyan employs the techniques of chasing, repousse, filigree and granulation, wax casting, engraving and niello with equal virtuosity. Working in solid sterling silver with precious gems, Garri brings old world mastery to the new world that no other knifemaker can emulate.
The blade is hand ground stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any Thorburn knife ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The linear damascus reveals Andre's complex, super-clean grind. The flats are polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper allows for a very smooth and fast blade deployment.
Meticulously carved handle scales are formed from .925 Sterling silver that is plated with 24K gold. Between the two scales and the backbar, 99 grams of Sterling silver were meticulously carved. The three dimensional scales depict a detailed peacock. The eyes are formed from faceted diamonds. The carved backbar culminates into a detailed dragon head with rubies set in the eyes and a larger one set into the crown on its head. Titanium liners surround the carved gold plated, sterling silver backbar.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout -- combining the efforts of two exemplary masters!


Availability: Not currently available