L20 Flipper with Black G-10, Zirconium, and SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L20 Flipper with Black G-10, Zirconium, and SG2 San Mai Damascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 98986
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.90 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.70 in.
Total length: 8.90 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.92 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.04 in.
Item weight: 4.60 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.4 oz.
Blade: San mai damascus blade with an SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core (Hrc 63-64)
Bolster: Differentially anodized and engraved zirconium
Handle: Black G-10
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper with locking liner
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered and has silky-smooth action. When combined with the IKBS ball bearing system, the action is exceptional! The Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) was originally designed to fit balisong knives and uses ball bearings to create exceptional action with no blade play. This special IKBS knife was created 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. It is easily opened with the flipper. Andre is a master of IKBS and this folder has action that is as smooth as it gets!
The blade is formed from stainless damascus san mai. A central bar of Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel is surrounded by alternating layers of stainless steel and nickel. At Hrc 63-64, this folder has among the best edge holding of any Thorburn knife ever made. The resulting damascus is high contrast and immediately captivating. The linear damascus reveals Andre's complex, super-clean grind. The flats are mirror polished, nearly hiding the pattern. The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are black G-10 that has been nicely domed and polished. The combination of the simple black G-10 with the dramatic bolsters and blade is particularly elegant. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills out the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters are hand engraved, textured, and anodized by Marietjie Thorburn, 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 scuffing. Fileworked titanium liners are anodized blue on the flats and bronze in the bevels and surround a black G10 backbar. The 3D machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent work throughout!
BladeGallery.com is proud to be the exclusive distributor and recommended repair shop in the United States for André Thorburn's knives!


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