Barlow pocketablility.

[navihawk]

I won't comment on certain import Barlows, for the sake of calm and decorum!

I have carried old U.S. made barlows on and off for 50 years, and find them very satisfying for every day use. I'd rather find a good used one from the 1950s-1960s or earlier, and feel I am paying tribute to America.
A Robeson single blade from this time period is a nice, rounded semi-sunk joint knife, that is every bit as nice a carry as anything you can name. And there are many more that fall in that category.

Here is a picture of some older Robesons, with a newer Repro at the bottom. You can see the tang hides nicely. Robeson was always concerned with pocket ease.

Here is a picture of an old one opened, compared to a Case. The Case is a great sturdy knife, and affords good grip and strength.
But if you want smoothness in the pocket, and don't pry (shudder) with your knife, smoother style is very rewarding. Just let me say that prying with ANY folder is a fool's game!

There are many that are equally good, I only chose Robeson as my best example. My philosophy is have patience, and search for the best one, and spend your money responsibly. It is your dollar that runs the world!!

Great looking knives Waynorth.Interesting on that first Robeson where they put that pin towards the rear.

Heres a new Robeson made by Queen. The bone at the base is almost sharp, but the jigging is unique.

 

[Knife Crazied]

I don't have any YET but I sure do like the looks of them. :thumbup:

 

[Absintheur]

I find the barlow tends to nestle in...kind of like the way a cat will form itself to you lap so gently you don't really notice it there. I have several Barlows from various makers, sheepsfoot, spear, clip, one hand man, but they all find the sweet spot next to my wallet in my front left pocket and just settle in like the pocket was made for them. Here are a few that work through the EDC rotation...from left to right

Fight'n Rooster, one hand man main
Boker red bone, clip main
Rough Rider bark mop, clip main
Rough Rider amber bone, clip main
Barlow...someone enthusiastically "cleaned" the name off before I bought it, clip main
RU-KO, sheepsfoot main...with a swedge even

My first barlow was my first knife...a Schrade that I kept for 40 years before gifting it to a nephew. And of course I am eagerly awaiting the Forum Barlow. I have a few more barlows, some from my childhood and some i have picked up over the years...I have a tough time walking away when a barlow is on the table.

 

[Col. Cornelius]

Howdy,

I have quite a few Case Barlows and an old Imperial Barlow.

I have carried a Barlow in my front blue jeans pocket for years and it it my pocket knife of choice. My first pocket knife was the Imperial made barlow, and I still have it. I now carry the Case Barlow's everyday.

To me, the Barlow is extremely comfortable for pocket carry. If i want a smaller knife, I will carry a second knife in my upper pant change pocket, but I still carry the Barlow.

I don't were slacks or dress pants so I don't have any experience with them.

If I remember right, George Washington carried a Barlow!

This is the one I carry the most:

 

[DennisStrickland]

the working class man's pocketknife. these were carried probably more than any pattern by the average joe in 1890 to 1940s. ranchers carried stock knives, farmers liked the congress, city guys in slacks carried pens,[sometime whittlers]. the guys running gas stations, welding shops, retail stores, & hardware outlets probably had a barlow in pockets.

 

[knarfeng]

I don't currently have a Barlow. But I've had one in the past. I think it was in the mid 60's. Don't remember the brand. It carried well in my jeans pocket. I remember that.