Folding Knifemaking Class with A² - Making an A14 Classic Flipper with Bolsters (Andre van Heerden and Andre Thorburn)
BladeGallery is excited to announce our Folding Knife Making Class, where you'll have the opportunity to create your very own functional and beautiful A² folder under the guidance of renowned South African knifemakers, Andre Thorburn and Andre van Heerden.
Date: Saturday May 31st & Sunday June 1st, 2025
Time: 10am to approx. 6 P.M. PST each day
Price: $1,895 per person
This is an in-person class at our gallery:
BladeGallery's Epicurean Edge
3628 E Marginal Way S
Seattle, WA 98134
Call 206-677-1776 to reserve your spot in the class.
This class is limited to 6 guests, so secure your place now!
In this comprehensive course, we cater to knifemaking beginners and collectors, providing an introduction to the world of knife making. You'll not only learn the theoretical aspects but also gain hands-on experience in constructing your own custom flipper. By the end of the training, you'll proudly walk away with a fully functional folder, personally marked with your name. Collectors will have a better understanding about how high end folders are made and be able to use it to their advantage when collecting knives! We'll be building the new A14 Flipper during this class.
Topics covered in this class:
- Design principles of a liner lock folder
- Placement of the detent ball
- Importance of the angles between the locking bar and stop pin
- A² version of IKBS and the tools used
- Discussion of grinding techniques
- Importance of surface grinding to folder making
- Problem-solving issues with your finished folder
You will be making the new A14 Flipper (shown in the photo above). It will feature:
- FatCarbon or similar handle scales
- External zirconium pivot, zirconium bolster, and matching pocket clip
- Ceramic IKBS pivot
- 304 stainless screws and pivot shaft
- Carbon fiber backspacer set between titanium liners
- M390 stainless steel blade
- Option to replace M390 blade with solid SG2 stainless - $500 add on
- Option to replace M390 blade with YuShoku Stainless (mokume san mai) - $600 add on
Don't worry about gathering supplies—everything you need for the class will be provided. We ensure a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus solely on honing your skills.
Discover the satisfaction of crafting your own IKBS flipper and gain valuable insights from two industry experts. Enroll in this Folder Making Class today and embark on a remarkable journey of craftsmanship and self-expression.
Call 206-677-1776 to reserve your spot in the class. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to bring your knife collection to new heights. Limited spots are available, so secure your place now!
In addition to the class, attendees will receive a 5% discount on the purchase of all South African knives when purchased the day of the class.
About the instructors: South African knifemakers André Thorburn and André van Heerden create exceptional folders at a tremendously high skill level. When they collaborate, they create A² knives. Their folding knives are generally considered to be among the highest performing flippers made today.
Due to limited spots available, please understand that registration is non-refundable.