L54 Flipper with Black G-10 and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L54 Flipper with Black G-10 and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98079
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 7.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.07 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.6 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Differentially anodized and textured zirconium
Handle: Black G-10
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Folding liner lock with Ceramic IKBS
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has incredibly 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 this is as smooth as a knife gets!
The drop point blade is formed from N690 stainless steel, a super-steel created by Bohler in Austria. It takes an incredibly sharp edge and holds on to 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 has emphasized his clean grind lines.
Like the blade, the handle is constructed for strength and durability. Handle scales are black G-10 that is nicely domed to fill out the hand. Zirconium bolsters are hand engraved, textured, and differentially anodized, ensuring a positive grip. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scratching. The handle is completed with blue anodized, fileworked titanium liners and a 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball mounted for right handed tip-up carry.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available