L53 Interframe Flipper with Black and Blue G10 (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L53 Interframe Flipper with Black and Blue G10 (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 97193
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 8.10 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.04 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.06 in.
Item weight: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.6 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Handle: Black G-10 inlaid with blue G-10
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. This L53 Interframe Flipper is a spectacular EDC though it would feel comfortable in nearly any collection.
The blade is perfectly centered and the action is 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. 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 N690 stainless steel blade is differentially finished to emphasize his clean grind lines. N690 is created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds on to it. The increased toughness gives it better resistance to edge chipping. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from black G10 and are inlaid with blue G10. Jimping on the thumb ramp aids grip. The flipper doubles as a front guard that keeps the hand from sliding forward onto the blade. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly. Blue anodized titanium liners elegantly contrast against the scales and complement the blue inlays. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry. The handle is completed with a lanyard cord.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available