L46 Flipper with Silver Strike Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium with Silver Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L46 Flipper with Silver Strike Carbon Fiber and Engraved Zirconium with Silver Inlay (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97150
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.03 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 4.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.2 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished premium RWL-34 powder metallurgy stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Engraved zirconium with fine silver inlay
Handle: Silver 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 -- 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. 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot and the action is as smooth as a knife gets!
The drop point blade is made from RWL-34 stainless steel. RWL-34 is a premium powder metallurgy cutlery steel manufactured by ERASTEEL in Söderfors, Sweden. Because it is made from rapidly solidified powders, the microstructure of the steel is much more uniform. This gives the steel much higher strength and resistance to cracks and chips while maintaining high edge retention. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially finishing the blade, Andre has emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales are formed from silver strike carbon fiber. Silver toned wires are woven into the carbon fiber in this variation of lightning strike carbon fiber. 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 engraved and inlaid with fine silver 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. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The zirconium has a tremendous iridescence that is extremely enticing. Titanium liners sit against red fiber spacers and have been fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and purple inside the bevels. The titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for tip-up carry.
Excellent 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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