L36 Guinea Fowl Folder with IKBS

Product Description for L36 Guinea Fowl Folder with IKBS

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 89377
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.90 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.05 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Item weight: 5.95 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.8 oz.
Blade: Satin finished Panzer 36 stainless steel
Bolster: Guinea fowl pattern mosaic damascus forged from carbon steels by Lourens Prinsloo
Handle: Lightning strike carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura storage pouch
Style: IKBS flipper folder
Description: This exceptional folding knife by Andre Thorburn features a Panzer 36 stainless steel blade. Panzer 36 is a martensitic stainless steel with high hardness, high wear resistance and good corrosion resistance. It is cross rolled in production to cancel out residual stresses from the manufacturing process. It has only recently begun being used by knifemakers and has gained significant acclaim by South African makers, where it has quickly found popularity. Mastersmith Kevin Harvey has been involved in the initial testing of Panzer 36 and describes it as having ' excellent edge holding and toughness.' The blade has been hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. It has been meticulously hand satin finished on the grinds with a mirror polish on the flats, emphasizing the cleanliness and precision of the grind lines. Jimping ensures a secure thumb rest when the blade is deployed.
The blade is perfectly centered and has an incredibly smooth action due to the IKBS (Ikoma Koth Bearing System) pivot system. This mechanism, which was originally designed to fit balisong knives, uses ball bearings to create smooth action with virtually no blade play.
The scales are formed from lightning strike carbon fiber, which Andre has sculpted to reveal different patterns. The center of the scales reveals the familiar graphite and copper weave, while the edges have been sculpted to display the different layers as stripes . The carbon fiber scales are set on blue anodized titanium liners, keeping the knife light and fast. A satin finished pocket clip is inlaid into the scales for tip up carry.
The bolsters are formed from mosaic damascus forged by fellow South African bladesmith Lourens Prinsloo. Redialed stars surround a dramatic stylized image of a guinea fowl.
Exceptional fit throughout. This is among my favorite knives by Thorburn to date.


Availability: Not currently available