L51 Compact Flipper with Desert Tan G-10 (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L51 Compact Flipper with Desert Tan G-10 (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98541
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.2 oz.
Blade: Differentially finished Bohler N690 stainless steel, hardened to 59 Hrc
Handle: 3D machined desert tan G-10
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. His most popular folder of all time is the iconic L51 Flipper. Now, he has introduced the updated and more pocket friendly L51 Compact. The slightly smaller size and light weight (only 3.8 oz!) makes this a very easy knife to keep close at hand. The blade is perfectly centered and 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. Thorburn is a master of the IKBS pivot and this is as smooth as a knife gets!
The N690 stainless steel blade is meticulously hand satin finished in the grinds and mirror polished on the flats. N690 is 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.
The scales are formed from 3D contoured desert tan G-10. 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. It is completed with bronze anodized, fileworked titanium liners that elegantly contrast against the G-10 scales and titanium backspacer. The machined titanium pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry and features a ceramic ball for excellent retention.
Exceptional fit and finish throughout.


Availability: Not currently available