A Wright Barlows--Flat sides vs rounded?

B

Bartleby

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Oct 28, 2005
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I have been considering getting a Sheffield made single blade Barlow for a while, and have decided to get one from Arthur Wright and Son. Sounds easy, but when I started to investigate more fully I have discovered that they make two versions of this pattern, one with flat bolsters and handles and the other with round bolsters and handles. Has anyone had a chance to try these out or compare them in person? I am kind of leaning toward the flat version, as it looks like it would work best for pocket carry, but it is hard to tell from the photos I see on line if there is much actual difference in thickness between them. Any input would be appreciated, thanks!
 
Also, I have seen what appears to be an embellished version by Oakedge Knives. Are these SFOs from Wright? If so, I am tempted to look into them more deeply!
 
Bartleby said:
Nice photo! It looks like the little one in the illustration is about to pick it up! Have you given this one much pocket time?
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Thank you. It is the cover of an old child's book on dragonflies.
I prefer to use the T Ablett or the Joseph Rodgers lambsfoot barlow for pocket use. But it is very handsome and well done for a reasonable price.
 
Sorry for not noticing this thread before Bart. Personally, I think the bolster is a bit short for a Barlow (it's twice the length of Wright's standard bolster). I would like to get them to make a proper Barlow at some point, but would probably have to fund it. Wright's originally just did the flat bolster, but then they were getting feedback that people preferred a rounded one. Here are some rather poor pics of some I picked up recently (ignore the Spearpoint) :thumbsup:

Seconds.JPG

Seconds Pile.JPG

Red Horn Barlow.JPG

Stag Barlow.JPG

By coincidence, I am carrying one, a 'second', today :)

AW Buffalo Barlow 1-1.JPG
 
Are these any use Bartleby? This is my A.Wright Barlow; it's about 15 years old? Though I think they still offer the same knife.
huByaGF.jpg


Ac5ifdZ.jpg


I wasn't aware of them offering two different versions but that's only because I've not looked at their Barlows in a while as I'm not in the market for one.
Hope these help.
 
Jolipapa said:
I prefer to use the T Ablett or the Joseph Rodgers lambsfoot barlow for pocket use. But it is very handsome and well done for a reasonable price.
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I have one of the Ablett knives in horn, but mine is the two blade version with clip and long spey, which is a bit bulky for office carry. The Wright knife does certainly seem to be a good buy at this time.
 
donn said:
Are these any use Bartleby? This is my A.Wright Barlow; it's about 15 years old? Though I think they still offer the same knife.
huByaGF.jpg


Ac5ifdZ.jpg


I wasn't aware of them offering two different versions but that's only because I've not looked at their Barlows in a while as I'm not in the market for one.
Hope these help.
Click to expand...

They still do that model Donn, it's the same as the lower right knife in my first two pics. I only saw the flat-sided models at the factory because I brought up the subject. I suspect that the 'feedback' on bolsters I referred to was from one or other of their stupid dealers. The round-sided bolster models are the ones which seem to be on sale generally.
 
donn said:
Are these any use Bartleby? This is my A.Wright Barlow; it's about 15 years old? Though I think they still offer the same knife.
huByaGF.jpg


Ac5ifdZ.jpg


I wasn't aware of them offering two different versions but that's only because I've not looked at their Barlows in a while as I'm not in the market for one.
Hope these help.
Click to expand...
Very helpful to get a good idea of width, thanks! It does look like it would be just the ticket with its flat sides.
 
Jack Black said:
Sorry for not noticing this thread before Bart. Personally, I think the bolster is a bit short for a Barlow (it's twice the length of Wright's standard bolster). I would like to get them to make a proper Barlow at some point, but would probably have to fund it. Wright's originally just did the flat bolster, but then they were getting feedback that people preferred a rounded one. Here are some rather poor pics of some I picked up recently (ignore the Spearpoint) :thumbsup:

View attachment 845316

View attachment 845317

View attachment 845318

View attachment 845319

By coincidence, I am carrying one, a 'second', today :)

View attachment 845320
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Thanks Jack! The stag handles are quite similar to the Oakedge brand knives version I have seen on line. Have you encountered any of those over there in your travels to handle? They seem a fair bargain especially if they are Wright's knives with workback and stag. I think the short bolsters and flat sides would well suit carry in dress slacks, a little less bulk and weight. Heck, one could get both the plain flat and the fancy workback....
 
Jack Black said:
They still do that model Donn, it's the same as the lower right knife in my first two pics. I only saw the flat-sided models at the factory because I brought up the subject. I suspect that the 'feedback' on bolsters I referred to was from one or other of their stupid dealers. The round-sided bolster models are the ones which seem to be on sale generally.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah there it is. Sorry didn't see your reply before I posted. Those rounded bolstered Barlows actually look quite handsome. As it's my birthday soon I may treat myself.

Bartleby said:
Very helpful to get a good idea of width, thanks! It does look like it would be just the ticket with its flat sides.
Click to expand...

Your welcome :thumbsup:
 
Bartleby said:
Thanks Jack! The stag handles are quite similar to the Oakedge brand knives version I have seen on line. Have you encountered any of those over there in your travels to handle? They seem a fair bargain especially if they are Wright's knives with workback and stag. I think the short bolsters and flat sides would well suit carry in dress slacks, a little less bulk and weight. Heck, one could get both the plain flat and the fancy workback....
Click to expand...

I've not had any of the Oakedge knives Bart, and all the ones I have have plain backs. I don't think Wright's do it with a worked back as standard. Yes, they are very well priced I think, and a nice knife :thumbsup:

donn said:
Oh yeah there it is. Sorry didn't see your reply before I posted. Those rounded bolstered Barlows actually look quite handsome. As it's my birthday soon I may treat myself.
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No worries mate, I probably posted while you were doing the same :) :thumbsup:

bonzodog said:
You could go for a TEW, they are both round and square:D

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The bolster really makes that knife I think, very handsome :thumbsup: I am hoping I can persuade Wright's to do a stamped bolster, they have a nice stamp they use on the tangs of their fixed-blades :thumbsup:
 
Jack Black said:
I am hoping I can persuade Wright's to do a stamped bolster, they have a nice stamp they use on the tangs of their fixed-blades
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By this do you mean the stylized A in W mark? I have a small Bowie they made with this tang stamp, my first Sheffield knife (also the last gift my father purchased for me, when he visited me during my stay in England in the 90's. Bought it in London out of a car boot as I recall!). Always thought that would make a nice bolster mark.
 
Bartleby said:
By this do you mean the stylized A in W mark? I have a small Bowie they made with this tang stamp, my first Sheffield knife (also the last gift my father purchased for me, when he visited me during my stay in England in the 90's. Bought it in London out of a car boot as I recall!). Always thought that would make a nice bolster mark.
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Yes, that's the one, underused I think :)

IMG_1483_zpsliwr1mxt.jpg
 
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