L46 Flipper With Damasteel, Westinghouse Micarta, And Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Product for L46 Flipper with Damasteel, Westinghouse Micarta, and Timascus (Ceramic IKBS)

Maker: André E. Thorburn (click to see more by this maker)

Price: $2,100.00

Item num: 109010

*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.30 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.10 in.
Total length: 7.60 in.
Blade height (at heel): 0.99 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.16 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 7.00 oz.
Shipment weight: 4.0 oz.
Blade: Stainless damascus forged by Damasteel
Bolster: Heat colored Timascus
Handle: Antique Westinghouse Micarta
Sheath: Zipper pouch
Style: Linerlock flipper with ceramic IKBS bearing pivot

: South African knifemaker André Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The blade is perfectly centered with silky-smooth, drop-shut action. The flipper opening is tremendously 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. 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 drop point blade is hand ground stainless damascus forged in Sweden by Damasteel. This high performing stainless damascus is created using powder metallurgical steel manufacturing to provide excellent edge retention and unmatched beauty. 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.
Handle scales are very rare antique Westinghouse Micarta. This Micarta was developed in 1910 by Westinghouse Electric Corporation as an industrial thermo-set laminate for electrical insulation. This light toned Micarta was lost in a warehouse and only recently discovered. The top show the beautiful yellowing with age that makes this Micarta so captivating. Jimping on the thumb ramp provides a comfortable, secure grip. The gently rounded handle feels sturdy and fills your hand perfectly. Heat colored White Timascus bolsters are perfectly fit to the Westinghouse scales. The external pivot is machined from Timascus and is surrounded by a raised black zirconium pivot ring. Differentially anodized and fileworked titanium liners surround a satin finished titanium backbar. The 3D machined pocket clip with ceramic retention ball is mounted for right-side, tip-up carry.
Excellent work throughout!

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