Premium A6 Flipper with Damascus, Silver Strike Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)
Best Tactical Folder - USN Gathering 2016

Product Description for Premium A6 Flipper with Damascus, Silver Strike Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)
Best Tactical Folder - USN Gathering 2016

Maker: Andre Van Heerden (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 95444
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.40 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.30 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 6.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 13.8 oz.
Blade: Grosse Rosen pattern Damasteel stainless damascus
Bolster: Zirconium
Handle: Rare silver strike carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch and hard case
Style: Liner lock with flipper (IKBS with ceramic bearings)
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create folders with some of the best action to be found anywhere. When they work together, they work under the A2 name. Given the incredible level of their work, it should come as no surprise that this folder won Best Tactical Folder at the 2016 USN Gathering. That said, The Gathering is the show for tactical knives. The competition is fierce. Winning Best Tactical Folder at the USN Gathering is about as good of an award in the tactical knife world as can be found.
The blade is perfectly centered and silky smooth -- 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. Thorburn and van Heerden created this special A6 flipper 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.
The raised clip point blade is formed from stainless damascus. The high contrast Grosse Rosen pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from rare silver strike carbon fiber. This variation of lightning strike carbon fiber uses silver toned wire rather than copper. Zirconium bolsters have been anodized to a deep black tone with iridescent highlights. Zirconium is a new material to the knifemaking world. It is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. Zirconium is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The pivot and clip feature a durable Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAIN) coating. The domed scales provide a comfortable, secure grip. The handle is completed with blue anodized titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the silver strike carbon fiber scales. The light titanium pocket clip is mounted for tip-up carry.
Exceptional fit throughout.


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