L19 Flipper with Damascus, Engraved Zirconium, and Blue Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L19 Flipper with Damascus, Engraved Zirconium, and Blue Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 95750
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.40 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.80 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.10 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 3.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 3.8 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Engraved zirconium, inlaid with 24k gold
Handle: Blue lightning strike carbon fiber
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth action. The flipper opening is tremendously easy to use for quick deployment. When combined with the IKBS ball bearing system, the action is exceptional! The Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) was originally designed to fit balisong knives and 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 drop point blade is formed from stainless damascus forged by Damasteel. The high contrast 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.
Blue lightning strike carbon fiber scales have been nicely domed and polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. Zirconium bolsters are meticulously engraved and inlaid with 24k gold accents by Julien Marchal. Belgium-born artist Julien 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 red fiber spacers and titanium liners that are anodized blue on the flats and purple on the bevels. The black G-10 backbar keeps the knife light and fast. The machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!


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