L36M Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber, Zirconium, and SG2 San Mai Damascus - Engraved Scrolls and Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L36M Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber, Zirconium, and SG2 San Mai Damascus - Engraved Scrolls and Gold Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 96930
** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind **
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.75 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 5.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.4 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Bolster: Engraved and anodized zirconium with gold inlay
Handle: Marbled carbon fiber set on anodized titanium liners
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky smooth action -- 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 created this L36M 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and this folder has among the best action you will ever find.
The blade is formed from 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 mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are marbled carbon fiber that has 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.
Engraved and anodized zirconium bolsters provide a steadfast grip that is also very beautiful. Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. The scroll engraving and gold inlay shows his tremendous attention to detail and elegant designs. The handle is completed with red spacers and titanium liners that are anodized blue on the flats and purple on the bevels. A G-10 backbar keeps the knife light and fast. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Exceptional work throughout!
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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