L44M Front Flipper with Damasteel, Orange/Black Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44M Front Flipper with Damasteel, Orange/Black Carbon Fiber, and Engraved Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 103733
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.70 in.
Total length: 8.70 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.09 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 7.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged in Sweden by Damasteel
Bolster: Zirconium engraved and inlaid with copper by Julien Marchal
Handle: Orange/black carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Padded pouch
Style: Linerlock front flipper with IKBS bearing pivot
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The action on this folder is silky smooth -- easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous front 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and this knife is as smooth as a knife gets!
The blade is hand ground stainless damascus forged by Damasteel in Sweden. This high performing stainless damascus is created using powder metallurgical steel manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for easy maintenance.
Handle scales are orange/black carbon fiber. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. Zirconium bolsters are meticulously engraved and inlaid with copper accents by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. The floral scroll engraving shows his tremendous attention to detail and elegant designs. The handle is completed with anodized and fileworked titanium liners. Screw hardware features a TiAlN finish throughout. The 3D machined TiAlN titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right side, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout from a true master.
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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