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An encouraging trait of the international custom knifemaking community
is a sense of brotherhood and the willingness to share and encourage
other members. As an example, take the friendship of Hawaiian knifemaker
Ken Onion and Brazilian knifemaker Flavio Ikoma. Ken has encouraged use
of the Ikoma Korth ball bearing pivot system on his CRKT knives, and had
also counseled Flavio on the directions his designs might take. Our
Sampa, Flavio Ikoma's first folder designed for CRKT, is the fruit of
that friendship.
Ken suggested the general parameters of a "gentleman's tactical" folder
and Flavio did the rest. In overview, this is a lightweight and stylish
locking liner folder with a clean open build and exceptionally fast and
fluid flipper opening. The blade is premium AUS 8 stainless steel in a
drop point shape with recurve and high hollow grind. The Model 5330 has
a high satin finish with a Razor - Sharp cutting edge, while the Model
5335K has a Combined Razor-Sharp and Triple-Point Serrated edge with a
black titanium nitride blade coating.
The Sampa frames are cold-forged 6061-T6 aluminum, which is clean-up
machined, gray anodized for a titanium look, and then surface finished,
revealing a bright surface pattern which aids grip. The strip locking
liner is 420J2 stainless steel, precision inset into one frame. Flavio
developed the IKBS ball bearing system to be entirely raceless, the
bearings running in channels machined into the blade and frame. In this
case, we have incorporated a stainless steel race/bushing in the
aluminum frames for long life. The IKBS pivot system is durable and
requires little maintenance, yielding a folder with great rigidity and
no blade play. A spring-loaded ball detent keeps the blade securely
closed until needed. Then, a fast press on the flipper yields instant
opening and lock-up. A custom removable Teflon-coated stainless clip is
standard on both models.
This is clearly a personal knife for the high-achiever who values
innovative design and custom-knife quality in a personal accessory. It
is also an excellent value.
Specifications
Dimensions
Open Overall Length: 7.25 inches
Closed Length: 4.25 inches
Weight: 2.7 ounces
Blade
Length: 3.125 inches
Thickness: 0.115 inches
Material: AUS 8
Blade-HRC: 58-59
Finish: Ti-Nitride
Grind: Hollow
Style: Drop Point
Edge: Combo
Handle
Material: 6061 Aluminum
Lock
Type: Locking Liner
Carry
Carry System: 1 Position Clip
Features
IKBS: Yes
Flipper: Yes
Made in China |
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