Barlow_what brand or maker is more representative?

M

martineden

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Jun 26, 2007
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My interest for Barlow knives has growth recently, so my question is: what brand (or maker, speaking about customs) I should look at for an historical collection of Barlows?
Thanks, Alfredo
 
While not the original...the Russell Barlow knife in the U.S. has quite a legacy. (Both in the large "Daddy" Barlow incarnation as well as the smaller 3 3/8" version in both single and two blade patterns.)

There are several excellent custom makers building the pattern as well, but if you want authentic, there are many old production Barlow knives available on the net with a little searching.
 
Blues said:
While not the original...the Russell Barlow knife in the U.S. has quite a legacy. (Both in the large "Daddy" Barlow incarnation as well as the smaller 3 3/8" version in both single and two blade patterns.)

There are several excellent custom makers building the pattern as well, but if you want authentic, there are many old production Barlow knives available on the net with a little searching.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion. One more question: Russel Barlow whit one or two blades?
 
They're both classic, I only have a Daddy Barlow from the 1890's (single blade) and a 1930's single blade in the smaller format. Just depends on your taste. If you're into Barlow knives, both versions would be worth having imho.

My only custom (not a true historical Barlow) version is a double blade.
 
Take the following for what it is worth but when I was corresponding fairly regularly with the gentleman who was the historian/archivist for Russell, he wrote the following to me when I was in the market to purchase one of the 3 3/8" Barlows:

The single blade clip point spear is the benchmark Russell Barlow.
Click to expand...

I don't know who would be in a position to know better than him but opinions, I'm sure, vary.
 
Here's an image of mine:

orig.jpg



Mine was obtained from that popular auction site with the assistance of the historian/archivist I menitoned...you may find other sources as well.
 
Blues said:
Here's an image of mine:

orig.jpg



Mine was obtained from that popular auction site with the assistance of the historian/archivist I menitoned...you may find other sources as well.
Click to expand...

Just beautifull, I'll take it as a model for my future project. Thanks.
 
My pleasure. I'm sure you'll be successful in your quest.
 
If you haven't already visited, please have a look at Charlie's recent thread about Barlow knives. You will find it informative plus full of great images to give you ideas.

Charlie is a wonderful resource for info about these knives and I don't think he'd be at all upset by your picking his brain.
 
Thanks, Jack. It has a hairline crack on the pile side but otherwise near perfect (for my purposes).
 
Russell USA is the classic Barlow brand in my eyes. The old ones are good collectables and users. There is (was) a line of Russell barlows made in Solingen (by Boker IIRC) that is a line of great users. Case makes a decent barlow as well.
 
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I love Russell Barlows! They have an aura about them. Smells like apple pie!:D
Even though the Barlow was invented in England, Russells are so "American"!

BarlowRussells.jpg


They are all real except the bottom one, and that is a nicely done, authorized product of Camillus Cutlery, RIP.
 
Thanks guys, gorgeous Barlow here.
So, now I have another question: I understood that the "American Barlow" is Russel. What brand is representative of the "English Barlow", in your opinion?
 
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