Barlow question

S

silvaticus

Joined
Aug 26, 2016
Messages
372
Hi all,

I recently developed an interest in the Barlow pattern, and through perusing the mighty "what makes a good traditional Barlow" thread I identified the pointers that would make my personal grail Barlow:

* single blade (~3'')
* spear point (with swedge grind)
* long pull
* long bolster
* dark wooden handle (possibly ebony)

Something along the lines of this (pic not mine):
aa444-sitflyer-IMG_3479_zps32f49651.jpg


However, the configuration I'm after seems to be rather hard to find - I've seen variants of the GEC 77 and GEC 15 that come close, but both seem to not have been in production for years.

Can anybody of you knowledgeable folks help me out and point me to where I might look (other than the exchange here)?

Thanks in advance!
 
GEC's #15 is a smaller pattern than the #77, and has a blade closer to 2½" than 3". The #77 would fill the bill nicely, being at least a quarter inch longer, but they get snatched up so fast that you might have to pay inflated secondary prices to get one any time soon. The last batch was over-sold before they ever arrived at the retailers.
 
I've got a half dozen patterns or so that always catch my eye when they pop up, and Barlows are definitely one of those.

Not a popular notion around here, I know, but there's a big world outside of GEC. Look for Boker, Kabar, Henckels, Russell, Case, Schatt and Morgan, Hen and Rooster, Colonel Coon, and probably three or four dozen others I'm not thinking of. There're usually a few Barlows every day on the Exchange right here.

Happy Hunting.
 
Another brand worth taking a look at is the Lionsteel Roundhead. Ticks almost all the requirements and they're currently in stock at collectorsknives
 
black mamba said:
GEC's #15 is a smaller pattern than the #77, and has a blade closer to 2½" than 3". The #77 would fill the bill nicely, being at least a quarter inch longer, but they get snatched up so fast that you might have to pay inflated secondary prices to get one any time soon. The last batch was over-sold before they ever arrived at the retailers.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this, black mamba black mamba , so the #77 is the one. Too bad that they were last made in 2015 in the configuration I fancy...


dsutton24 said:
I've got a half dozen patterns or so that always catch my eye when they pop up, and Barlows are definitely one of those.

Not a popular notion around here, I know, but there's a big world outside of GEC. Look for Boker, Kabar, Henckels, Russell, Case, Schatt and Morgan, Hen and Rooster, Colonel Coon, and probably three or four dozen others I'm not thinking of. There're usually a few Barlows every day on the Exchange right here.

Happy Hunting.
Click to expand...

Good recommendations dsutton24 dsutton24 , I was hoping that somebody would be able to point me to alternatives beyond GEC. I like the Boker traditionals, but most of them are clip points... I've also checked with the other makers you mentioned already with no luck, really. But it's great to know the options...
 
Roransu said:
Another brand worth taking a look at is the Lionsteel Roundhead. Ticks almost all the requirements and they're currently in stock at collectorsknives
Click to expand...

Thanks R Roransu , I'm aware of those and they look great and indeed tick many of my boxes. Maybe a bit more modern that what I'm after though... But then again, I do like me some Ti and M390 in my modern folders...
 
The Northwoods Madison Barlow might be a consideration if you can find one. Generally has more of a drop point rather than a spear point blade. I generally prefer a clip point on my Barlows.
 
Northwoods Everyday Barlow Brown Saw-Cut Bone. It doesn't have the swedge grind nor the wood handles. Not sure if someone could modify to create the swedge.

Specifications: Overall Lenght: 5 15/16", Closed Length: 3 3/8", Main Blade Length: 2 1/2", Weight: 2.1oz, Steel: CPM-154, Half-Stop, SKU: NW05IA101
 
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I think the clip point was the most common main blade on the Barlow.

A vintage Ulster might be an option if you don't want a clip point. I know they made them with a choice of Clip Point, Sheepsfoot, and Spear Point main, all with a Pen secondary.

I know the clip point is a model 10. (I have that one) I don't recall if the model 11 was a sheepsfoot or spear point. The model 12 was whichever the 10 and 11 isn't.
 
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