L44 Flipper with Natural Brown Linen Micarta and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44 Flipper with Natural Brown Linen Micarta and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97149
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.80 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.60 in.
Total length: 8.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.10 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 5.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.4 oz.
Blade: Satin finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Textured, engraved, and differentially anodized zirconium
Handle: Brown linen micarta
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and super-smooth! The flipper opening is 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. This is as smooth as a knife gets!
The clip point blade is formed from N690 stainless steel, a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds onto it. Increased toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By satin finishing the grinds and mirror polishing the flats, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are natural brown linen Micarta that has been nicely domed and polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper allows for silky-smooth and fast blade deployment.
Zirconium bolsters have been textured, engraved, and differentially anodized, providing a steadfast grip that is also very beautiful. Zirconium is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Titanium liners have been fileworked and differentially anodized with bronze flats and purple inside the bevels. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right handed, tip-up carry. A ceramic ball at the end of the pocket clip makes it particularly effective.
Exceptional work throughout!


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