Any Barlow experts out there?

Toyz

Toyz

Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
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I need a little help - hope I'm posting this in the correct place.

I have the opportunity to pick up a Barlow 2 blade knife with the arrow and letter "R" thru it on the bolster - and what appears to be a rough cut bone or stag handle (yellowish / brown).

It's in great shape.

I handled it yesterday - but on the fly, and stupid me didn't take notice of any blade stamps, etc.

There was no box.

The person who was selling it wanted $100, which totally turned me off. I'm no expert in slip joints - but it seemed like this price was high.

This knife looked too new to be an older John Russell Barlow - I'm guessing it could have been from the 50's or 60's if thats even possible.

I did a bit of research last night but really couldn't come up with much - but mostly due to my not looking at the knife harder.

Anyone have any advice? It looked like a well made knife in good condition - it was carried, but cared for. I don't like impulse buys - I like to know that I'm getting something worth what I am paying for it. There are too many good "new" knives that I could buy for the same price.
 
Hard to say without pictures. Could be old, might be one of the newer repros. No way to tell without more details and seeing what it is.
 
I know - shot in the dark.

I will see if I can gather more info.

I'm getting back into slip joints and wouldn't mind adding a Barlow to my small collection.

Form what I have seen so far - it looks like the more recent repros can command around $50. The older originals can go between $100-$150 in good condition.
 
To my eyes the newer ones look like they could be manufactured by Boker.
 
Joe here are some real Russells, with a Camillus repro at the bottom.
Do you see what you saw??:)

BarlowRussells.jpg
 
waynorth said:
Joe here are some real Russells, with a Camillus repro at the bottom.
Do you see what you saw??:)

View attachment 237928
Click to expand...

Looks like the second one down from the top - with the rough cut saw patterns and the lighter color.

It had two blades instead of the single as shown in your pic.

Edit - actually as I look at your pic closer it looks like the second one down does have 2 blades.

To justify a $100 price tag - what should I be looking for as far as blade stamps? That is - if the older ones are worth that much.
 
That second one down has a later tang stamp, and the blades are worn down some, with good snap and no handle cracks. It's worth over $100 to most people, $150 to some.
 
waynorth said:
That second one down has a later tang stamp, and the blades are worn down some, with good snap and no handle cracks. It's worth over $100 to most people, $150 to some.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the good information Waynorth - much appreciated.

I'm gonna try to get a closer look this week at the knife in question.
 
All - just a follow up and thanks for helping me.

Upon closer inspection - this turned out to be an overpriced german made replica.

This was not as old as I originally thought.

I am much more educated about barlows now thanks to everyone here.

Needless to say I passed on the purchase.
 
There is a decent Annversary Edition that came with paperwork in a wooden box - although, even a $100 is a bit much, even mint. The German repro's you can find for under $50
 
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