My first Andre Thorburn

Big_E - re: the bolsters. I know! I was dead set against buying a new knife for a while (i've been on a buying binge) but the bolsters ...

marthinus - thanks on the L36 confirmation

Here's a question for other Thorburn flipper owners.
when i slowly close my knife and listen carefully, i think i can hear the bearings clicking. it sounds similar to winding an old watch.
none of my other flippers make a sound at all (other than the detent).
anyone else experience this?
 
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mr.ee's said:
Big_E - re: the bolsters. I know! I was dead set against buying a new knife for a while (i've been on a buying binge) but the bolsters ...

marthinus - thanks on the L36 confirmation

Here's a question for other Thorburn flipper owners.
when i slowly close my knife and listen carefully, i think i can hear the bearings clicking. it sounds similar to winding an old watch.
none of my other flippers make a sound at all (other than the detent).
anyone else experience this?
Click to expand...

Are you comfortable taking it apart to clean up (should it need it)? My familiarity with IKBS is they don't need "grease" other than the grease or oil used to hold the balls in place when re-assembling it. If you're not comfortable, you can send to me to look at for nothing more than the cost of return shipping. Maybe the prior owner had it apart and didn't have the balls evenly distributed. Or, it's bone dry in the races.
 
mr.ee's said:
Big_E - re: the bolsters. I know! I was dead set against buying a new knife for a while (i've been on a buying binge) but the bolsters ...

marthinus - thanks on the L36 confirmation

Here's a question for other Thorburn flipper owners.
when i slowly close my knife and listen carefully, i think i can hear the bearings clicking. it sounds similar to winding an old watch.
none of my other flippers make a sound at all (other than the detent).
anyone else experience this?
Click to expand...

Mine makes absolutely no noise, it's like glass and you can't feel anything, i'd try a little Nano oil, don't even take it apart just run a little down both sides of the blade and be careful not to get any on the blade tang.
I always open the blade and squirt a little down the sides and let it sit upright so the oil can work it's way down.
I had a Vandermeulen with caged bearings that was a little gritty but after i oiled it it was fine.
 
Big_E: thanks for the reply and the offer. yeah, i'm reticent about opening this knife but since it's mine i should learn. when you grease an ikbs what do you use? florinated grease or maybe the thicker nano oil (85w)

sechip: thanks for the reply and info.

i'll try some nano oil and see if it makes a difference. then if needs to be opened and greased, i'll work my way up to it starting with my lesser quality knives.
honestly, the idea this knife could be any smoother is a little mind-boggling.
it's already smoother than any other knife i own or have handled.

i was wondering if it might possibly have been a caged bearing vs non difference.

thanks again for the replies.
 
My advice is to not take the knife apart. Just apply some oil, or better yet give it a nice clean in some warm water and washing detergent. Open and close a few times in the water, rinse and dry out. Ad some oil.


Does the knife function as it should? If yes then continue to use it. If there is a problem send it to Andre.
 
mr.ee's said:
Big_E: thanks for the reply and the offer. yeah, i'm reticent about opening this knife but since it's mine i should learn. when you grease an ikbs what do you use? florinated grease or maybe the thicker nano oil (85w)

sechip: thanks for the reply and info.

i'll try some nano oil and see if it makes a difference. then if needs to be opened and greased, i'll work my way up to it starting with my lesser quality knives.
honestly, the idea this knife could be any smoother is a little mind-boggling.
it's already smoother than any other knife i own or have handled.

i was wondering if it might possibly have been a caged bearing vs non difference.

thanks again for the replies.
Click to expand...

I use Benchmade Blue, and just enough to hold the bearings in place for reassembly. I confirmed this with the IKBS designers.

If I can't take a knife apart and service it myself, I won't own it. A large part of the reason I won't own a Microtech is because they "void" the warranty if the knife is taken apart. I guess Anthony thinks we're smart enough to earn the money to buy his knife, just not intelligent enough to service it.
 
10w nano oil did the trick.
Thanks all.

Any new Thorburn owners out there?
I've noticed more than a few ppl adding Andre to their willing to trade for lists!
 
mr.ee's said:
Any new Thorburn owners out there?
I've noticed more than a few ppl adding Andre to their willing to trade for lists!
Click to expand...

Nope,not yet, but in a couple of months i Will be a proud owner of a L51. Cant wait.. :)

I cant believe i havent heard of his name before i saw Jim Skeltons vid..
 
Question. Can you get a custom engraved bolsters on a Thorburn? I mean if I called and asked for a particular pattern or image, like a watch face or something. Would he do it?
 
NorthernSouthpaw said:
Question. Can you get a custom engraved bolsters on a Thorburn? I mean if I called and asked for a particular pattern or image, like a watch face or something. Would he do it?
Click to expand...

I can't guarantee it but I am sure that Andre would do his best to accommodate you. Contact him, I am sure you will be very pleasantly surprised.
 
NorthernSouthpaw - he does his own engraving, so it's certainly worth asking. or you get get a plain bolster and have it engraved her in the states.

sk8n - so very nice. that mammoth looks like the end was dipped in a big steaming tub of pre-history!
 
A short time ago I sent one of my knives back to Andre for repair. Below is the wood the new scales are being cut from. I'll post pictures once it's complete and back in my hands. The broken scale is Amboyna Burl, and the new scales will be Arizona Desert Ironwood. It's safe to say I'm really pumped about getting the new scales. I should note the broken scale was a result of my stupidity.



 
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Andre makes a damn fine knife! Funny I was asking around not to long ago and there was. Toning. Snatched mine up and posted some pics now they are flying off shelves!
 
I never saw that post it. Why don't you put a link to it.
I'm interested to see it.

I first saw a cf l36 on Arizon***** I don't know if I'm allowed to say on the forum but you know the one.

1st time I noticed one on BF was when someone mentioned to me he was selling his.
 
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