My first Andre Thorburn

Big_E · Mar 10, 2014

The L36S (small) arrived today, and as with every Andre Thorburn I received thus far, I'm thrilled. Below are a series of photos which include the L6 front flipper, and L36S tang flipper. I also included a comparison photo of the L36S flipper next to a small Sebenza. The L36S is ever so slightly longer, and wider than the small Sebenza. I'm expecting an L40 front flipper next week, and will include comparison photos of this as well. The Andre Thorburn knives are an incredible value, and the fit and finish is near perfect. I don't know of another knife with IKBS that flips better than these do. The green on the L36S is an olive color with grain similar to Micarta. It's polished, yet your hand doesn't slip.

andre_f by accutronman, on Flickr

andre_e by accutronman, on Flickr

andre_b by accutronman, on Flickr

andre_c by accutronman, on Flickr

andrea_d by accutronman, on Flickr

andre_g by accutronman, on Flickr

andre_a by accutronman, on Flickr

humblerodent · Mar 10, 2014

Thanks for the photos. My L36S Ironwood is on its way and I've been wondering about the size compared to my small sebenzas.

Misanthropia · Mar 10, 2014

Did anyone check out Terafanatic's video of Andre's table at ECCKS a few weeks ago? One of his knives has a multi-row IKBS system, the results are dramatic. It seriously seems to be reaching the zenith of smoothness in the liner/frame lock design.

marthinus · Mar 11, 2014

Misanthropia said:
Did anyone check out Terafanatic's video of Andre's table at ECCKS a few weeks ago? One of his knives has a multi-row IKBS system, the results are dramatic. It seriously seems to be reaching the zenith of smoothness in the liner/frame lock design.

Yeah I saw that. It was an order placed with that request. Wish I could have handled it :grumpy: The sound of the Mammoth Ivory beast that followed was also wonderful

humblerodent · Mar 12, 2014

My L36S arrived and man is it fantastic. The finishing is immaculate and the flipping action is insane. This is the smoothest knife I've owned by a ridiculous margin. The slightest pressure on the flipper and it flies open. It also closes by gravity alone. I tried to flip it open with out it locking up and I can't do it. As soon as it overcomes the detent, it's open, no matter how you flip it. It really is impressive. I've never seen IKBS executed this well. Here are some pics with two other arrivals today:

Big_E · Mar 12, 2014

All i can say is congratulations .....and Damn!! .i wanted that knife.

humblerodent · Mar 12, 2014

Haha, thanks. I'm definitely happy with it. But if I decide to let it go ever, I'll let you know.

sechip · Mar 12, 2014

Very nice pick up! love the blade grinds and that wood grain is fantastic, congrats!

marthinus · Mar 14, 2014

Congratulations humblerodent and Big_E on the new family members.

NorthernSouthpaw · Mar 14, 2014

Damn you all!! I was happy with my production folders. I had no problems spending up to $200 for one I liked. I thought Sebenzas, Striders, Microtechs etc were nice and seemed to be worth the price increase. I thought "Maybe one day I'll pick one up". But now after seeing this thread and consequently checking some youtube posts...... Holy hell!!
I..MUST...have... one.
I actually dreamed about getting a Thorburn last night. This thread has ruined me forever. Which is how long its going to take me to save up without the wife destroying me.
Now if you don't mind. I am going to go into a corner and cry for a while.

I hate you all.

TouchOfRed · Mar 14, 2014

Im on his list for a L51 with 3D Carbonfiberhandles. Almost identical to the one in Jim Skeltons video, if any1 has seen it? Mine will have another filepattern on the liners tho. But other than that it will be identical.
Is that boring? to order one identical to that one?
The fit & finish looks out of this world !!!! how is the F&F in real life?

Is it worth the 500-550 Euros that he charge for it?

Thanks dudeeees !

humblerodent · Mar 14, 2014

The F&F is as good as advertised in the Skelton video. The action is just unreal. Overall finishing is immaculate, and the lockup seems solid. I haven't had it long enough to thoroughly compare it to some other top maker's knives for F&F, but first impressions are very, very good.

sechip · Mar 14, 2014

The fit and finish and attention to detail is out of this world, and as far as value, 5 minutes after i received mine i was back on his books for another....

TouchOfRed · Mar 15, 2014

humblerodent said:
The F&F is as good as advertised in the Skelton video. The action is just unreal. Overall finishing is immaculate, and the lockup seems solid. I haven't had it long enough to thoroughly compare it to some other top maker's knives for F&F, but first impressions are very, very good.

Sound very promising.

How "Custom" are they? The carbonfiber handles are Cnced, but what is made by Andre by hand?

TouchOfRed · Mar 15, 2014

sechip said:
The fit and finish and attention to detail is out of this world, and as far as value, 5 minutes after i received mine i was back on his books for another....

Okey, im looking forward to receiving his knife very much. Should be here in May/June. Cant wait !
Haha, that souns good and bad, i mean, cool that he makes so good knives, but not to god for the economy.

Big_E · Mar 19, 2014

Had to move quick on an Andre Thorburn L51 Flipper in brown. 3.75 blades usually aren't my thing, but at only 4.6 ounces, I couldn't resist. This version also sports the M390 blade :thumbup: Used this photo of it until it arrives in a few days. I'm not sure, but I think this was the one of the two brown that wasn't picked up in the video.

l51_brown by accutronman, on Flickr

TouchOfRed · Mar 19, 2014

Big_E said:
Had to move quick on an Andre Thorburn L51 Flipper in brown. 3.75 blades usually aren't my thing, but at only 4.6 ounces, I couldn't resist. This version also sports the M390 blade :thumbup: Used this photo of it until it arrives in a few days. I'm not sure, but I think this was the one of the two brown that wasn't picked up in the video.

l51_brown by accutronman, on Flickr

Just beatiful.. Cant wait for mine. Mine is going to have a few changes tho.

Do you Know if all of them have M390? If not, what other steel?

So They are very sought after?

mr.ee's · Mar 19, 2014

Thread title is perfect!
i picked this up last weekend. The bolsters sealed the deal for me.
The person i bought it from didn't know the model # or the steel info though. i'm guessing L36.

Full knife (sorry blurry photo)

Knife Closed

Spine showing Filed Blue-Ano Liner and red inlay

Close up on the Damascus Bolster. I'm calling this the God's Fingerprint Pattern.

marthinus · Mar 20, 2014

Big_E said:
Had to move quick on an Andre Thorburn L51 Flipper in brown. 3.75 blades usually aren't my thing, but at only 4.6 ounces, I couldn't resist. This version also sports the M390 blade :thumbup: Used this photo of it until it arrives in a few days. I'm not sure, but I think this was the one of the two brown that wasn't picked up in the video.

l51_brown by accutronman, on Flickr

Congrats on the fine knife. It is one of my favorites made by Andre. If I had the funds and it was available (not going to the show) I would have bought it on the spot. I personally just loved the brown handle.

TouchOfRed said:
Just beatiful.. Cant wait for mine. Mine is going to have a few changes tho.
Do you Know if all of them have M390? If not, what other steel?

So They are very sought after?

Steel is dependent on what is ordered by the customers to my knowledge. The best answer to your question is to ask Andre directly what steels he has available. It ranges from N690, CPM-S35VN, M390, RWL-34, Damasteel, 14C28N, 12C28... the list goes on.

mr.ee's said:
Thread title is perfect!
i picked this up last weekend. The bolsters sealed the deal for me.
The person i bought it from didn't know the model # or the steel info though. i'm guessing L36.

Full knife (sorry blurry photo)

Knife Closed

Spine showing Filed Blue-Ano Liner and red inlay

Close up on the Damascus Bolster. I'm calling this the God's Fingerprint Pattern.

Congrats on the fine knife! I believe depending on the size it might be a L36, L36L (Large) or a L36M (Magnum).

Big_E · Mar 20, 2014

mr.ee's said:
Thread title is perfect!
i picked this up last weekend. The bolsters sealed the deal for me.
The person i bought it from didn't know the model # or the steel info though. i'm guessing L36.

Full knife (sorry blurry photo)

Knife Closed

Spine showing Filed Blue-Ano Liner and red inlay

Close up on the Damascus Bolster. I'm calling this the God's Fingerprint Pattern.

I LOVE the bolster, and overall look of your knife. The vine file of the liners ties in nicely...beautiful score :thumbup: