A5 Premium Flipper with Westinghouse Micarta, Cu-Zr, and Damasteel (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for A5 Premium Flipper with Westinghouse Micarta, Cu-Zr, and Damasteel (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Van Heerden & Thorburn (collaboration) (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98720
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 2.90 in.
Cutting edge length: 2.80 in.
Total length: 6.80 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 3.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.6 oz.
Blade: Draupner pattern stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Cu-Zr-Br mokume forged by Chad Nichols
Handle: Antique Westinghouse Micarta
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Folding liner lock with ceramic IKBS bearing pivot
Description: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders at a tremendously high skill level. When they collaborate, they create A2 knives. Very few A2 premium knives are made each year.
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. Thorburn and van Heerden created this special A6 Mini Classic 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 stainless damascus forged by Damasteel. The high contrast pattern is revealed in the grinds. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from very rare antique Westinghouse Micarta. The bolsters are made from Chad Nichols' Cu-Zr-Br mokume gane. This damascene material is made from alternating layers of forged copper, bronze, and zirconium. The high contrast results make these bolsters absolutely stunning! The backbar is made from matching Westinghouse Micarta. The titanium liners have been anodized bronze to match the bolsters. The 3D machined Damasteel pocket clip is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
A spectacular knife from two incredibly talented knifemakers. Excellent fit and finish throughout!


Availability: Not currently available