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- Jun 15, 2004
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Although I actually received this knife in the mail the day before the show, I consider this piece to be my favorite of my 2008 Plaza Show scores. This is the long-anticipated IKBS A2 flipper framelock, the first flipper of any kind to leave Charles' shop, and I am happy to report that it exceeds the high expectations that I have held for it.
With a 4" Rose pattern Damasteel blade that is over 5/32" thick, an oversized custom pivot, and handle slabs shaped from .210" thick titanium, the IKBS A2 flipper is one of the beefiest and toughest-built framelocks around. In spite of its beefiness, though, it is also one of the most comfortable framelocks to grip and manipulate, thanks to Charles' expert contouring on the handles and the natural ergonomics of the SOF-A2 handle design. As a matter of fact, the handles on the flipper version of the A2 are slightly wider than those of the stud opener, which makes them even more comfortable to grip than before, at least for me. A translucent G-10 backspacer and an anti-rotational screw in the pivot head add nice visual and functional touches, respectively.
Of course, no matter how well a flipper is otherwise constructed, if it doesn't flip open well, it shouldn't be a flipper. Charles really impresses here by creating superb flip action in this model. The detent is strong but not overwhelming, and his method of incorporation of the IKBS bearings ensures some of the smoothest action you will see in any folder, all while maintaining no blade play of any kind at all and almost no clearance between the blade and handle slabs. I uploaded a brief video here to demonstrate the action of the knife.
With this IKBS flipper, Charles has taken a significant step forward in the advancement of his craft. I can't wait to see what else he does with these!
With a 4" Rose pattern Damasteel blade that is over 5/32" thick, an oversized custom pivot, and handle slabs shaped from .210" thick titanium, the IKBS A2 flipper is one of the beefiest and toughest-built framelocks around. In spite of its beefiness, though, it is also one of the most comfortable framelocks to grip and manipulate, thanks to Charles' expert contouring on the handles and the natural ergonomics of the SOF-A2 handle design. As a matter of fact, the handles on the flipper version of the A2 are slightly wider than those of the stud opener, which makes them even more comfortable to grip than before, at least for me. A translucent G-10 backspacer and an anti-rotational screw in the pivot head add nice visual and functional touches, respectively.
Of course, no matter how well a flipper is otherwise constructed, if it doesn't flip open well, it shouldn't be a flipper. Charles really impresses here by creating superb flip action in this model. The detent is strong but not overwhelming, and his method of incorporation of the IKBS bearings ensures some of the smoothest action you will see in any folder, all while maintaining no blade play of any kind at all and almost no clearance between the blade and handle slabs. I uploaded a brief video here to demonstrate the action of the knife.
With this IKBS flipper, Charles has taken a significant step forward in the advancement of his craft. I can't wait to see what else he does with these!
