"Barlow Knife" by Raymond Smith, ABS M.S.

Blues

Blues

hovering overhead
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I have always been a fan of interesting historical slipjoint patterns and decided a few months ago to add a custom Barlow to the lineup.

I just received this little gem today from Ray Smith, ABS Master Smith, located in beautiful upstate New York.

This is his small Barlow Knife which I requested that he make using forged 52100 steel.

Stats:

Closed: 3.625"

Weight: 2 7/8 oz.

Blade: Forged 52100 @ ~ 59 Rc

Blade Length: 2.75" (Tip to Bolster)

Bolsters & Liners: Steel

Scales: Jigged Bone

Half Stop


A lot of knife in a small package.

Spring Tension is on the firmer side (the way I prefer it). Those of you familiar with knives by Ray Cover, Sr. will have an idea of the approximate tension I am referring to.

Overall fit and finish is quite high, especially in light of the fact that this knife is a bargain by custom knife standards.

Ray ordinarily puts a bit more file work into his knives but I asked him specifically to keep mine "simple" so as not to collect dirt/lint when carried.

Ray can be contacted via his website, www.theanvilsedge.com as well as telephonically at 607-795-5257. He is a pleasure to deal with.

And now, a few images:

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I like it. The filework on the blade is just right. Does he jig his own bone? Congrats on a good score.
 
A mastersmith forges some 52100 and then wraps it all up in a classic Barlow pattern. Blues was grinning from ear to ear when he got his one I'll wager.
 
Mike Robuck said:
I like it. The filework on the blade is just right. Does he jig his own bone? Congrats on a good score.
Click to expand...

Thanks, guys for the good words.

No, Ray doesn't jig his own bone. He happened to have this bone on hand. I was looking for something in the reddish brown arena and this came pretty close.

The scales are a bit different in shade from side to side due to the amount of grinding that had to be done and the depth that the dye had impregnated the bone. (Not an issue however as this knife was meant to be carried and used so will develop "character" with time in any case.)
 
WOW!! That is a sweeet little Barlow, Blues!! Gosh darn it..Looking at all these knives is making me start to get a tingle. ;)Thinking about the Blade 08 fast approaching!!!

First round is on me!!
 
Seeing the specs. . . . .perfect size and excellent execution !


:thumbup: Elliott
 
52100 barlow. Blues, better check you pockets when you are around me.:thumbup:
 
Elliott,That looks really nice & the bone is real good looking,but it all goes good together.
Nice & Congrats !,to both of ya'
-Vince
 
Nice one E. :thumbup:

I found Ray a real pleasure to deal with also.

Duct tape your pockets shut if Bastid comes around. They don't call him "lightfingers" for nothin'. :D
 
Thanks, gents. I appreciate it and hopefully Ray will drop in and see the nice comments.

I've mentioned a few times lately that it seems that the "Ray's" are about the best deal in custom knives these days. (The Ray's being Ray Kirk, Ray Cover, Sr. and Ray Smith, all of whom offer excellent knives for not much more than (and in some cases less) than high end production slipjoints.)
 
Blues,

That is a great barlow! Just bought my first custom knife; a stag barlow from T.A. Davidson. May look one up from Ray here, looks like a lot of knife. Barlow is my favorite pattern! Enjoy it, should be a great user!

Durbin
 
I like it all Elliott! Pattern, steel, size, scales, healthy blade. Great Barlow! :thumbup:

- Joe
 
I really like everything about it:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
Thanks for sharing.
Mitch
 
Nice to see all the Barlow lovers coming out. :cool:

By the way, for those of you who may prefer it, Ray makes a larger version of the Barlow as well. It's 4.5" closed and weighs in at 5 oz.
 
Thanks for all the great comments about the barlow. Elliott ,glad you like yours and thanks for putting up the link.There will be more folders comming soon. Also if anyone is interested I have a preferred e-mail list that gives you first chance to buy before I put it up on the forum,just send me your e-mail.
 
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