Iain Cheyne -- Welcome to the forums! Thanks for the links also. Well, got both the individual knives, but not the general one. Will sort that our later.
In the realm of "traditional" pocket knives in America, the Case company rules supreme -- at least so far as collectors are concerned. Several German firms, and a couple other American companies also provide traditional patterns.
Should start by asking if you intend to carry and use the knife you choose, or if it is for a collection/showpiece? That makes a great deal of difference, so far as most of the people on the forums who write about traditional knives.
If you plan to use and carry the knife, I would suggest pretty strongly that you find a knife with blade(s) of carbon steel, not stainless. A couple stainless steels used in traditional patterns are fairly serviceable, but by and large, most are not held in high regard. Yes, because of the closeness to the body and perspiration, carbon steel knives require more maintenance than do most SSs. But, if one wants a blade that will take a good edge, hold it through a decent amount of cutting, and be reasonably easy to resharpen, then carbon is a far better way to go.
Certainly Sheffield is a venerable name in cutlery, and so is the name of the other manufacturer of the other knife you linked us to. (I have a truly terrible memory) The prices didn't seem out of line given my very limited understanding of current exchange rates.
Both the knives you linked to struck me as essentially being Barlow patterns -- single clip blade, with a fairly heavy handle. I myself lean towards the Trapper pattern the most, or the Muskrat. Both those patterns have 2 fairly lengthy blades. The Trapper's blades are at the same end of the knife, while the Muskrat are at the other. There are single bladed Trapper patterns, as well as another good single bladed pattern most commonly referred to as the Toothpick. Certainly a bit more stylish than the Barloe.
From reading a recent article in either Tactical Knives or Blade magazine -- my memory again -- I think some of the best knives available, at a quite low price are the Camillus Carbon Series. I believe there are only 3 patterns in the series. They can be bought for $20-$23 US at Smoky Mountain Knife Works. I believe the URL is:
http://www.eknifeworks.com/
I simply don't know how many American or German traditional knives are available for you in Britain. I know the duty tax on knives purchased here can be very high. Nonetheless, I suggest you check whatever web knife sellers you can find, and then look to see what can be purchased reasonably in your country.
Good luck.
