The Thwack Heard ‘Round the Collector World.
Some knives are tools. Some are art. The A2 Knives A6R Flipper is one of the rare ones that does both — and does both at a level that makes other high-end folders look ordinary.
This is #2 of only 10 pieces from the inaugural production run of this exact configuration. It was purchased by the original owner directly from Blade Gallery in Seattle in 2021. Blade Gallery is the gold standard for South African custom imports in the United States. That provenance matters.
The Team Behind It
A2 Knives is the official collaboration brand of two South African legends. André Thorburn handles the blade geometry, grinds, and mechanical precision. André van Heerden brings the handle architecture and clip design. Together, they produce knives that feel engineered rather than simply made. The A6R was designed by Tashi Bharucha — a French designer with a global reputation for sleek, forward-thinking knife aesthetics. His fingerprints are all over the A6R’s flowing lines and modern silhouette.
The Action
If you’ve spent time in the custom knife community, you already know about the Thorburn acoustic experience. The A6R’s flipper action is powered by a multi-row Ceramic IKBS Plus pivot system. Ceramic ball bearings — not steel — give this knife a smooth, near-hydraulic drop-shut feel. The lock-up produces that iconic, crisp “thwack” that A2 collectors chase. It’s tight. It’s tuned. And it never gets old.
The Steel
The blade is Böhler M390 Microclean. This is premium Austrian stainless steel. It holds an edge longer than most blades you’ll own. It shrugs off corrosion. It takes a fine, polished edge with ease. Thorburn’s hand-rubbed satin finish gives the blade a refined, understated look that pairs perfectly with the handle material.
The Handle
Blue Dark Matter FatCarbon is the showstopper here. This premium shredded carbon fiber is infused with deep blue resin in a way that creates a cosmic, multidimensional pattern. No two panels look the same. Under light, it shifts. It glows. It looks like something from another dimension. The anodized titanium liners and 3D machined titanium clip tie everything together with precision hardware that matches the FatCarbon’s energy perfectly.
The Numbers
This is #2 of 10 from the first run of this configuration. Low serial numbers from first-run A2 builds are historically reserved for preferred dealers and VIP collectors. Getting #2 means you’re getting a knife that came off the bench with full attention and intentionality behind it.
Who This Knife Is For
This is the knife for the “Gentleman Tactical” collector. The person who wants a folder that can go anywhere — but looks like it belongs in a gallery. If you collect South African customs, Tashi Bharucha designs, or FatCarbon pieces, this is a must-own. If you’re building a serious collection and want a benchmark piece, the A6R checks every box.
Specifications
- Condition: Preowned – Excellent condition – Knife Collection Find
- Maker / Collaboration: A2 Knives (André Thorburn + André van Heerden)
- Designer: Tashi Bharucha
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Model: A6R Flipper
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Serial / Run: 1st Run #2 of 10 (from provided provenance)
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Blade Steel: Böhler M390 Microclean stainless
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Blade Finish: Satin (Thorburn hallmark style; verify exact finish on your example)
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Blade Length: 3.50″
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Overall Length: 8.30″
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Weight: 5.60 oz
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Handle Material: Blue Dark Matter FatCarbon
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Liners: Anodized Titanium liners
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Lock Type: Linerlock
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Pivot System: Ceramic IKBS Plus bearing pivot
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Pocket Clip: 3D machined titanium, tip-up carry
Included: Pouch from Blade Gallery
Interested in selling some of your knife collection, or know someone who is? Check our the WBKC What We Buy section to learn if your collection might be something we’d purchase.
