K3 Flipper with Red/Black Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for K3 Flipper with Red/Black Carbon Fiber and Zirconium (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Keith Kruger (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98474
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 4.00 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.80 in.
Total length: 9.30 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.21 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 5.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 8.6 oz.
Blade: Satin finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Bolster: Zirconium
Handle: Red/black carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura storage pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS Flipper with locking liner
Description: Keith Kruger is the son-in-law of renowned South African knifemaker André Thorburn. Working with Andre has allowed him to create truly exceptional knives despite his only having made knives for a few years. The K3 Flipper is a full sized folder, though still comfortable as an every day carry.
Like Andre's knives, the blade of this flipper is perfectly centered and has some of the smoothest action you'll ever feel. It is easily opened with one hand using the discreet and ambidextrous flipper toggle. It 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. Keith created this K3 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.
The blade is formed from N690 stainless 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 differentially polishing the blade, Keith has emphasized his clean grind lines.
The scales combine red/black carbon fiber with elegant zirconium bolsters. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. Blue anodized titanium liners surround a black G10 backbar keeping the knife light and fast. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent work throughout!


Availability: Not currently available