Turaco Button Lock Flipper Collection
The Turaco is the logical next step up the flipper knife pyramid for Arno Bernard. Following on the success of the imamba®, this new knife sets the standard for a “no stick” plunge mechanism button lock. Making a statement like that is not over-reach; it is the outcome of designing and manufacturing this knife entirely in-house to offer the user an amazing experience. The fit and finish is unrivaled as all major components are hand-polished to remove any machine marks and hand-fitted for a glass-like finish. All the screws, bearing housing, pocket clip, etc. are made by Arno Bernard so a knife without compromise could be crafted.
There are thousands of companies that make liner lock flippers but only a small fraction of them make button locks. That is because getting a button lock to open and close without any stick requires much more effort than getting the detent correct on a flipper. This new model from Arno Bernard is as smooth as more expensive button locks and even smoother with a better fit and finish than competitors in the same price range.
The tolerances are incredible and that is just one advantage of making everything but the ball bearings in-house. You will notice there is no (caged bearings) rattle when you shake the knife as the tolerances are so precise. The pivot screw and frame are designed with a hexagonal shape to facilitate the alignment and secure locking of the screws into the frame. This design allows for the pivot screw to be tightened from only one side. The pivot screw which does not utilize a Torx, has been permantly secured with green Loctite®. All Torx screws on the frame and the thumb stud use a Torx 8 driver which is included. For weight reduction the titanium frames have been skeletonized to make it even lighter than the imamba at only 3.84 ounces. The larger back space completely covers the blade tip, providing additional security for the tip. You can get it in either a mirror or a stonewashed finish.
This new model can be deployed four different ways; flipper tab flick, reverse flick, thumb roll or thumb stud opening. The titanium thumb stud was also completely redesigned. This curved thumb stud is the reason why this knife can be opened in so many ways. The stud has circular serrations on it to provide a secure grip for opening and it is secured with a screw on just one side for a clean look.
The pocket clip chamfer blends in with the frame’s chamfer and allows for a slightly deeper carry. It also has a beefier look as the footprint is slightly larger than the one on the imamba® but weighs slightly less as the underside has had some titanium removed.
Since most companies have gone away from labor intensive, mirror finishes we made 2/3 of the initial production in that finish. The mirror finish was emphasized to highlight how much time, and effort went into making this knife as close to perfect as possible. A mirror finish highlights even the smallest imperfections which is why you see so many stonewashed finishes today.
The solid drop point blade features Bohler M390Stainless “Super Steel” which is extremely durable, has great edge re-retention and excellent corrosion resistance. It is heat treated to a 63 Rockwell hardness for optimal performance. The molecular structure of this steel is super fine, so it buffs to a beautiful shine. This German steel was originally designed for injection molding applications, so it is extremely tough as the molds run 24/7 and many operate at high temperatures with abrasive raw materials such as specialized plastics and other highly engineered synthetic materials. This new blade design features a longer choil (the unsharpened surface between the handle and the cutting edge of the blade) to offer additional grip surface for those with larger hands.
To add excitement to this launch, they have added even more premium carbon fiber and natural handle materials like blue mammoth molar, Snakewood, African Blackwood and TechnoBlue and TechnoGold carbon fiber.. Each knife includes a tough hand braided kangaroo leather lanyard to make it easier to access.
This knife has been years in the making but once you have your in your hand, I am sure you will feel that it has been worth the wait!
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