L53 Flipper – World Powers (Ceramic IKBS) – CTS-XHP

Product for L53 Flipper – World Powers (Ceramic IKBS) – CTS-XHP

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

Price: $3,950.00

Item num: 106555

*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 3.50 in.
Cutting edge length: 3.30 in.
Total length: 9.00 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.30 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Blade thickness (at midpoint): 0.14 in.
Blade thickness (near tip): 0.05 in.
Item weight: 11.80 oz.
Blade: Hand ground CTS-XHP stainless steel, hardened to 60-61 Hrc
Handle: Solid sterling silver inlaid with faceted natural gemstones
Style: Ceramic IKBS flipper style folding liner lock

: This 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 knives ever made.
Thorburn creates an exceptional folder. The action on his knives is silky smooth — easily opened with one hand using the ambidextrous flipper toggle. 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!
Handle scales were created by Garri Dadyan. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, Garri was named a National Master Artist of the (former) 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 gems, Garri brings old world mastery to the new world that no other knifemaker can emulate.
The drop point blade is hand ground Carpenter CTS-XHP stainless steel. This US-made steel is an air hardening, high carbon, high chromium, corrosion resistant alloy. At Hrc 60-61, this knife will have exceptional edge holding! The blade is hollow ground for an easy to maintain edge. By differentially finishing 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.
The meticulously carved scales are solid .925 sterling silver. Between the two scales and the backbar, 244 grams of sterling silver were meticulously sculpted and carved. The three dimensional scales depict detailed 24K gold plated American eagles and sculpted sterling silver scrollwork with faceted gems. The carved backbar culminates in a large 24K gold plated dragon head with rubies inlaid into the eyes and a peridot crown. Anodized titanium liners surround the fileworked and gold plated sterling silver backbar. Natural gemstones are hand set throughout.
Faceted natural gems include:
Amethyst – 1x 10mm, 10x 8mm
Peridot – 1x 6mm
Garnet – 2x 6mm
Garnet – 6x 5mm
Ruby – 2x 3mm
Sapphire – 4x 4.5mm
Diamond – 4x 1.5mm
Topaz – 4x 3mm
Pearl – 1x
Exceptional fit and finish throughout — combining the efforts of two exemplary masters! This knife will be at the center of any collection!

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