L48 Flipper with Ironwood and Engraved McGuinness Family Crest (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L48 Flipper with Ironwood and Engraved McGuinness Family Crest (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99738
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.40 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.25 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.03 in.
Item weight: 3.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 8.6 oz.
Blade: Carpenter CTS-XHP premium stainless steel,
Bolster: Engraved zirconium
Handle: Arizona desert ironwood
Sheath: Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock
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 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 and this is as good as it gets!
The blade is made from premium CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is a new air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. The grinds are satin finished while the flats are mirror polished, showing off the crisp, clean grinds. It is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge.
The scales are formed from presentation grade Arizona desert ironwood. The warm toned wood has dark striations moving through the warm brown figure and the is quite dramatic. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly.
Zirconium bolsters are deeply engraved by Belgium-born artist Julien Marchal. Julien studied engraving and gun making at Léon Mignon Liège in Belgium and now lives in South Africa. Zirconium is a transitional metal that is primarily mined in South Africa and Australia. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scuffing. The engraving features the family coat of arms of the McGuinnes family. A lion is depicted in the shield, with a helm displayed above. The family moto, "Sola salus servire deo" is set below.
Titanium liners sit against red fiber spacers and have been fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and bronze inside the bevels.
Exceptional work throughout!


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