This André Thorburn L28 Front Flipper is a pre-owned mint South African custom folding knife with a hand-ground SG2 Damascus San Mai blade, Black Camo Fat Carbon scales, heat-colored zirconium bolsters, anodized titanium liners, and ceramic IKBS bearing action. This handmade, one-of-a-kind custom folder was acquired from a long-time collector who sold off a small group of blades.
The result is elegant, technical, and highly collectible. The SG2 Damascus San Mai blade gives the knife dramatic layered contrast, while the Black Camo Fat Carbon handle adds a modern tactical-dress feel. Meanwhile, the heat-colored zirconium bolsters and blue anodized liner work bring the type of visual detail André Thorburn collectors expect.
André Thorburn L28 Front Flipper With SG2 Damascus San Mai Blade
The André Thorburn L28 Front Flipper features a 3.30-inch hand-ground Damascus San Mai blade with a 3.20-inch cutting edge. The blade uses a Takefu SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel core, surrounded by alternating stainless and nickel layers. At 63–64 HRC, this blade offers excellent edge-holding potential in a refined custom folder format.
The blade measures 0.11 inches thick near the bolster, 0.09 inches at midpoint, and only 0.02 inches near the tip. As a result, the blade has a fine, precise profile with strong visual movement. The hollow grind also supports an efficient cutting edge that should be easier to maintain than many thicker custom grinds.
Thorburn’s grind work is one of the biggest highlights. The linear Damascus pattern reveals the control in the blade geometry, while the mirror-polished flats nearly hide the pattern in certain light. Therefore, the blade changes character as the viewing angle shifts.
Ceramic IKBS Front Flipper Action
This L28 runs on a ceramic IKBS bearing pivot. The Ikoma Korth Bearing System uses ball bearings to reduce friction and create exceptionally smooth deployment. Because André Thorburn is highly respected for IKBS flippers, this model delivers the crisp, silky action collectors look for.
The front flipper can be operated with either the index finger or thumb. In addition, the blade is centered and the action feels clean and controlled. The design gives the knife a refined mechanical personality without making it bulky.
At 7.60 inches overall and 3.60 ounces, the L28 remains easy to handle. It has a strong custom presence, but it also stays slim enough for a serious collector-grade carry format.
Black Camo Fat Carbon, Zirconium, and Titanium Construction
The handle scales are Black Camo FatCarbon set on anodized titanium liners. This material choice gives the knife a dark, layered, modern look. In addition, the carbon fiber pattern pairs well with the hand-ground San Mai blade.
The heat-colored zirconium bolsters add another premium element. Zirconium gives the knife a darker, denser, more exotic front-end presentation than standard titanium. Meanwhile, the heat coloring creates subtle movement that complements the Black Camo FatCarbon and blue anodized liners.
The handle also features fileworked titanium liners, a 3D machined titanium pocket clip, and a ceramic retention ball. The clip is set for right-side, tip-up carry. Finally, the included zipper pouch adds useful storage and presentation value.
South African Custom Knife Craftsmanship
André Thorburn is one of the leading handmade custom knifemakers in South Africa. He is especially known for liner lock folders, front flippers, IKBS action, fine blade grinds, and refined material combinations. His work often blends elegant dress-knife styling with dependable mechanical construction.
The L28 shows that balance clearly. It has a premium San Mai blade, high-end carbon fiber, heat-colored zirconium, clean action, and strong fit throughout. However, it still remains compact and practical in hand.
Thorburn’s background also adds important collector context. He began making knives in 1989, became a full-time maker in 1996, and earned recognition through multiple international guilds and knife shows. As a result, his knives carry strong name recognition among collectors of South African custom folders.
Specifications:
Maker: André E. Thorburn
Model: L28 Front Flipper
Condition: Pre-Owned, Mint
Source: Acquired from a long-time collector who sold off a few blades
Knife Type: Handmade One-of-a-Kind Custom Folding Knife
Style: Linerlock Front Flipper with Ceramic IKBS Bearing Pivot
Blade Steel: SG2 Damascus San Mai
Core Steel: Takefu SG2 Powdered Metallurgical Stainless Steel
Blade Construction: Stainless Damascus San Mai with SG2 Core
Blade Hardness: 63–64 HRC
Blade Grind: Hollow Ground
Blade Length: 3.30″
Cutting Edge Length: 3.20″
Overall Length: 7.60″
Blade Height at Heel: 0.86″
Blade Thickness Near Bolster: 0.11″
Blade Thickness at Midpoint: 0.09″
Blade Thickness Near Tip: 0.02″
Item Weight: 3.60 oz.
Bolsters: Heat-Colored Zirconium
Handle: Black Camo FatCarbon Set on Anodized Titanium Liners
Liners: Blue Anodized and Fileworked Titanium
Pocket Clip: 3D Machined Titanium with Ceramic Retention Ball
Carry: Right-Side, Tip-Up
Included: Zipper Pouch
Video Introduction: Thorburn L28 Flipper
This André Thorburn L28 Front Flipper is a pre-owned mint South African custom folder with an SG2 Damascus San Mai blade, Black Camo FatCarbon scales, heat-colored zirconium bolsters, anodized titanium liners, and ceramic IKBS bearing action. Measuring 7.60 inches overall with a 3.30-inch blade and 3.60-ounce weight, this handmade one-of-a-kind folder delivers the refined action and finish serious André Thorburn collectors look for.
Collector Appeal
Collectors looking for an André Thorburn custom front flipper should pay close attention to this L28. It combines a high-performance SG2 Damascus San Mai blade, Black Camo Fat Carbon scales, heat-colored zirconium bolsters, anodized titanium liners, ceramic IKBS action, and pre-owned mint condition.
This piece is especially compelling for collectors who appreciate smooth front flippers, South African custom knives, San Mai Damascus, Fat Carbon, zirconium accents, and handmade one-of-one construction. Additionally, the included zipper pouch supports the overall presentation.
Because this knife was acquired from a long-time collector, it also fits well for buyers who value private-collection provenance. It is not a production-style piece or a common configuration. Instead, it is a refined, hand-built custom folder with strong material choices and excellent visual identity.
Collectors comparing this piece can start with André Thorburn Custom Knives brand page for more unique knives from this fantastic knifemaker. From there, Preowned Knives helps compare other collector-owned custom folders, while Folding Knives gives a broader look at current premium folder inventory. For deeper buying education, How to Choose a Custom Knife offers helpful collector guidance, and collectors considering a sale can review Sell Your Knife Collection and What We Buy to see how We Buy Knife Collections evaluates rarity, condition, materials, documentation, and market demand.
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