L44 Compact Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product Description for L44 Compact Flipper with Marbled Carbon Fiber and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 99764
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.20 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.95 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.13 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.20 oz.
Shipment weight: 6.0 oz.
Blade: Carpenter CTS-XHP premium stainless steel, hardened to 60-61 Hrc
Bolster: Timascus titanium damascus
Handle: Marbled carbon fiber
Sheath: Fleece lined Cordura pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper folding liner lock
Description: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The L44 Compact is a smaller version of Andre's renowned Model 44 Flipper. The blade long enough to get most any task done, yet the smaller size makes much easier to keep this knife close at hand.
The blade is perfectly centered and has silky-smooth action. The flipper opening is easy to use for quick deployment. 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. Thorburn created this 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. Andre is a master of the IKBS pivot 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 marbled carbon fiber that has been nicely polished. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills the hand perfectly. The bolsters are made from Timascus titanium damascus. The intricate coloring offers excellent contrast to the marbled carbon fiber. Titanium liners have been fileworked and differentially anodized with light blue flats and purple inside the bevels. The machined titanium pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-handed, tip-up carry.
Excellent fit and finish 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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