A Russell Barlow Question.

[KBA]

New to collecting and was hoping you guys could teach me what to look for in discerning investment quality.
To me it looks rough with the pitting and not sure on worth. Thanks

 

[KYenglish]

mines "worse" and I'm a proud owner value's what someone will pay and all that, sorry I don't know how much they are worth $ wise




they are a very fine knives, often sought after to

thanks for posting the pictures

 

[KBA]

Thanks for the reply. I have no interest in selling if I get it. Im just trying to be cautious since I am so new. The idea of owning a bit of history appeals to me. Also, I was trying to figure out if this is normal condition for the age. Thanks again KYenglish. Even if it is to much I personally think it is worth 120.

 

[MerryMadMonk]

New to collecting and was hoping you guys could teach me what to look for in discerning investment quality.
To me it looks rough with the pitting and not sure on worth. Thanks

Thanks for the reply. I have no interest in selling if I get it. Im just trying to be cautious since I am so new. The idea of owning a bit of history appeals to me. Also, I was trying to figure out if this is normal condition for the age. Thanks again KYenglish. Even if it is to much I personally think it is worth 120.

I'm more of an accumulator than a collector, but I do collect certain knives. Three years ago, I was pretty much in your shoes. I've learned a lot from the members of this forum... enough to know that I am still a babe-in-the-woods. First and foremost is to read, read, and read some more. I probably spent a year reading/researching before I started to collect. On recommendations from long-time collectors, I started with a narrow focus and collected knives that I like ... as close to mint as I could find.

Members who have been collecting for years will caution you that, in general, knives are a poor investment. While there are exceptions, I've taken that advice to heart.

As for the Russell Barlow, both blades are worn from use and sharpening. The pitting on the master blade is not from normal use. There is a pin crack at the center pin on the pile side cover. Whether both blades have good opening/closing snap or have any side-to-side play are other factors that affect value.

If you personally think the knife is worth $120, that is its value to you. But if you're looking for a positive return on your investment for the Russell pictured above, you have to determine its value to others. Based on my observation of the market for similar Russell barlows with a straight-line tang stamp, you would likely lose most of your invested money.

I share your sentiment about owning a piece of history and I really enjoy reading about the history behind the knives and knife companies. Along with reading this subforum, here are some other resources that have helped me and that I refer to frequently:

Bernard Levine's Knife Collecting & Identification

Immunize yourself against fakes


Books:

- Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values, 4th Edition, 1997, by Bernard Levine (this is still considered one of the best reference books, just make sure it's the 4th Ed... here's why)

- Pocket Knives: The Collector's Guide to Identifying, Buying, and Enjoying Vintage Pocket Knives, 1993, by Bernard Levine

- Goins' Enclyclopedia of Cutlery Markings, 1998, by John and Charlotte Goins

- The Standard Knife Collector's Guide, 6th Edition, 2009, by Ron Stewart

- Big Book of Pocket Knives, 4th Edition, 2010, by Ron Stewart

- Official Price Guide to Collector Knives, 15th Edition, 2008, by C. Houston Price and mark D. Zalesky

- Counterfeiting Antique Cutlery, 1997, by Gerald Witcher

- Romance of Collecting: Collecting Cattaraugus, Robeson, Russell and Queen Knives, 1978, by Mrs. Dewey P. (Lavona) Ferguson


Hope this helps and Welcome to BFC!

 

[KBA]

Awesome reply! Thank you. I will certainly check out the resources you provided.

 

[waynorth]

I would look for a better one, IIWY. You will be disappointed in coming years, when you find a better one for less money.
Someone has polished the handle down. You want to find better blades, and a more original handle condition. You can then appreciate what the original knife was from the factory.

These old Russells all cost less than you suggest. They just took hunting and perseverence.
(The bottom one is a modern reproduction.)

 

[KBA]

Waynorth thank you for that sound advice. I passed on the other. Thanks for pointing out the handles. I am trying to develop that eye of discernment that only comes with time and knowledge. Unfortunately, I have spent my knife budget this month. I need to learn more before buying like that. Thanks again

 

[skivic]

I would look for a better one, IIWY. You will be disappointed in coming years, when you find a better one for less money.
Someone has polished the handle down. You want to find better blades, and a more original handle condition. You can then appreciate what the original knife was from the factory.

These old Russells all cost less than you suggest. They just took hunting and perseverence.
(The bottom one is a modern reproduction.)

Hey Charlie I know old topic and old pic but I just picked up a Russell, looks like the bottom one in your pic with the tang markings to match, is that carbon steel? Or stainless

 

[waynorth]

Don't know if it's carbon. Give it a good dab with warm cider vinegar and let it sit up to an hour. Wash any oil off first. It'll clean off later but it will tell you!