L36S Flipper – Royal Griffin (Ceramic IKBS)

Product for L36S Flipper – Royal Griffin (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: Garri Dadyan (click to see more by this maker)

Price: $2,675.00

Saving: $225.00

Item num: 99176

*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.20 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.75 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.91 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.12 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.11 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 4.80 oz.
Shipment weight: 5.6 oz.
Blade: Satin finished CTS-XHP stainless steel
Handle: African blackwood with sterling silver and gold plated overlays
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock

: This spectacular folder is a collaboration between South African knifemaker André Thorburn and Garri Dadyan, National Artist of the (former) Soviet Union. The combination of their diverse skills results in one of the most dramatic and elegant knives ever made. This knife was in a private collection since it was made. By all appearances it is in brand new, unused condition.
South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. Andre’s mechanism and action is among the best to be found anywhere. 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 the action on this flipper is as smooth as a knife gets!
The handle scales of this exceptional folder were created by Garri Dadyan. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, Garri was named a National Master Artist of the Soviet Union in 1985 for his unparalleled mastery of repousse metal work. In 1993 he became a member of the UNESCO International Federation of Artists in recognition of his superior artistry. A master metal worker, Mr. Dadyan employs the techniques of chasing, repousse, filigree and granulation, wax casting, engraving and niello with equal virtuosity. Working in solid sterling silver with precious stones, Garri brings old world mastery to the new world that few can emulate.
The blade is formed from Carpenter’s CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is an air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. This knife will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially polishing the blade, Andre emphasized his clean grind lines. Jimping on the thumb ramp ensures a secure purchase. The flipper allows for a very smooth and fast blade deployment.
African blackwood scales feature solid .925 sterling silver and 24K gold plated sterling silver overlays. Between the two fileworked titanium liners is a sterling silver backbar which has been meticulously carved and culminates into a king cobra’s head. The head has been crowned with a 3mm faceted ruby, two 2mm faceted diamonds in the eyes, and a 4.4mm faceted topaz at the base. The three dimensional right scale depicts a detailed gold plated griffin, sterling silver scrollwork, and a gold plated sterling silver flower. On the left scale is a gold plated sterling silver leaf, matching sterling silver scrollwork, and a second gold plated flower.
Faceted natural gems used throughout include:
2 – 3mm round brilliant cut diamonds
6 – 2.5mm round brilliant cut diamonds
2 – 2mm round brilliant cut diamonds
3 – 3mm round brilliant cut rubies
1 – 3.5mm round brilliant cut ruby
1 – 2mm round brilliant cut ruby
1 – 3.5mm round brilliant cut sapphire
1 – 4.7mm round brilliant cut garnet
1 – 3.5mm round brilliant cut garnet
1 – 4.5mm round brilliant cut topaz
1 – 4.4mm round brilliant cut topaz
2 – 3mm round brilliant cut topaz
2 – 3mm round brilliant cut iolites
2 – 2.5mm round brilliant cut citrines
Exceptional fit and finish throughout — combining the efforts of two exemplary masters!

Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days