My first Andre Thorburn

Big_E

Big_E

Joined
Nov 17, 2011
Messages
452
On a snowy day in NJ (again), I just took delivery of my first Andre Thorburn. It's one of several headed my way, but is the smallest of them. I'm not sure, but I believe it's the smallest he currently offers. In any case, it's simply stunning. I can't find a single thing I would change or "correct", and that includes a very sturdy pocket clip that is sure to keep it secure.

I took a few photos to give you an idea of size. In the photos are a walnut Mnandi w/ Basketweave Damascus, and a small African Blackwood Sebenza. The walnut Mnandi appears larger than the three in the photo, but it's obviously not. The Andre Thorburn is just a little smaller than the Mnandi in length, and a little fatter. I'll do a more comprehensive photo shoot of the Thorburn and have it posted in a few hours.


combo_d by accutronman, on Flickr

combo_a by accutronman, on Flickr

combo_b by accutronman, on Flickr

combo_c by accutronman, on Flickr
 
Beautiful knife Big_E, congrats! Several of his knives have caught my eye, may have to snag one soon (if I can).
 
Congrats Eric! Andre sure does make an excellent folder, his attention to fit and finish is incredible.
Beautiful knife btw!
 
Nice one. I fondled all his knives at the NYCKS last year, and they were all unbelievably smooth. That tang flipper is addictive.
 
Eric, The L28S is even smaller than the L6 you posted here..... and with the IKBS Front flipper it is just amazing... one of my favourites. Sorry I don't get on Bladeforums often - only when invited - so thanks for the invite Eric. Marietjie
 
Congrats on the score, Big_E. :thumbup:
I also have an L6 and think it is a darn sweet little flipper. :)
 
I should be getting my L36 front flipper tomorrow and it will have his first ever FFG on a folder according to Andre... can't wait!
And congrats on a great looking knife!
 
It is great to see US buyers appreciating just how brilliant Andre's knives are………Great score!:)
 
I just got a custom from another Andre, Andre Van Heerden. I would love to check out Andre Thorburn's work as well, I think I dig the whole classy, liner lock flipper thing that seems to be South African style.
 
sechip said:
I should be getting my L36 front flipper tomorrow and it will have his first ever FFG on a folder according to Andre... can't wait!
And congrats on a great looking knife!
Click to expand...

Is it your flat grind with Orange handle and CF bolster and strong detent?

I handled it at Andre when I made a visit just before he left for the ECCKS. A VERY fine piece!

I was so impressed I ask Andre to do my order with a flat grind.
 
South Africa has a lot of very talented knife maker's. Kind of an untapped resource for the US market I think.
 
marthinus said:
Is it your flat grind with Orange handle and CF bolster and strong detent?

I handled it at Andre when I made a visit just before he left for the ECCKS. A VERY fine piece!

I was so impressed I ask Andre to do my order with a flat grind.
Click to expand...

Absolutely! that's mine, how did it flip?... that's not fair you got to handle it before me! :D
 
sechip said:
Absolutely! that's mine, how did it flip?... that's not fair you got to handle it before me! :D
Click to expand...

Well I struggled at first! Such a detent was a big surprise for me but once it breaks the detent it just flies out.

Here you go, you can see yours at 4:40.

[video=youtube;nskTTUbF4go]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nskTTUbF4go&list=UUDVjLbnj847m0n9oQa16eHQ&feature=c4-overview[/video]

My discussion with Andre as I was handling the knife:

Me - Andre, this flipper takes some effort
Andre - Yes, the order was "string detent". It is also flat grind.
Me - Flat grind? Really, then close up.

The knives in the video still had to go through - visual inspection looking at the action, sharpening, another inspection with final finishing, cleaning and looking at the action, so I did not see your final knife :)
 
marthinus said:
Well I struggled at first! Such a detent was a big surprise for me but once it breaks the detent it just flies out.

Here you go, you can see yours at 4:40.

[video=youtube;nskTTUbF4go]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nskTTUbF4go&list=UUDVjLbnj847m0n9oQa16eHQ&feature=c4-overview[/video]

My discussion with Andre as I was handling the knife:

Me - Andre, this flipper takes some effort
Andre - Yes, the order was "string detent". It is also flat grind.
Me - Flat grind? Really, then close up.

The knives in the video still had to go through - visual inspection looking at the action, sharpening, another inspection with final finishing, cleaning and looking at the action, so I did not see your final knife :)
Click to expand...

Thank you Marthinus, that is awesome! I asked for some info on my knife and you got a video of my knife... you rock! By the way was it that much harder to flip than the others?

Scott
 
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sechip said:
Thanks you Marthinus, that is awesome! I asked for some info on my knife and you got a video of my knife... you rock! By the way was it that much harder to flip than the others?

Scott
Click to expand...

Glad I could help.

Once you get use to it no, you can see at the beginning it got me because I was not expecting it. Once I relised it had a strong detent it flipped fine.
 
marthinus said:
Glad I could help.

Once you get use to it no, you can see at the beginning it got me because I was not expecting it. Once I relised it had a strong detent it flipped fine.
Click to expand...

Awesome! Just what i was looking to hear and thanks again.
 
Just received my L36 and once you get used to the front flipper the blade just flies out!
And it's all technique, you use a different grip each to deploy with either your index finger or thumb.... i'm hooked!
 
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