Best Barlows

[Trey Fuller]

Hey guys this is my first post on the forum and I’m writing here because I figure you are the experts.

So, I love Barlows and I’m wondering what some good affordable options are to build my collection. I see so many beautiful options online but they are all so expensive. I’m looking for under $100 options.

 

[Spillproof]

I highly recommend Russell Green River Works Barlows. You will only find them on the secondary market and many have been thoroughly trashed, but I found this one on EBay last summer and got it for $80.


Here's may favorite:

I haven't seen another in stag and I've looked. This one would probably go for a lot more than $80 if it was in the same condition as the one above.

 

[sf fanatic]

Hello,I have a couple of R&R barlows and they are a good value and well made. If you look around there are Case one‘s that are available in your price range. Finally, Rose Craft Blades makes a nice one.View attachment 2435545

 

[Trey Fuller]

I highly recommend Russell Green River Works Barlows. You will only find them on the secondary market and many have been thoroughly trashed, but I found this one on EBay last summer and got it for $80.
View attachment 2435542

Here's may favorite:
View attachment 2435544
I haven't seen another in stag and I've looked. This one would probably go for a lot more than $80 if it was in the same condition as the one above.

Those are beautiful. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Trey Fuller]

Hello,I have a couple of R&R barlows and they are a good value and well made. If you look around there are Case one‘s that are available in your price range. Finally, Rose Craft Blades makes a nice one.View attachment 2435545

I actually just picked that Rosecraft up last week. Very nice. I don’t love the RC etch on the bolster so much but that’s a small gripe.

 

[Hatchet_Jack]

I highly recommend Russell Green River Works Barlows. You will only find them on the secondary market and many have been thoroughly trashed, but I found this one on EBay last summer and got it for $80.
View attachment 2435542

Here's may favorite:
View attachment 2435544
I haven't seen another in stag and I've looked. This one would probably go for a lot more than $80 if it was in the same condition as the one above.

They’re beautiful, if I can find one for $80 usd I’d buy it today!

 

[Spillproof]

They’re beautiful, if I can find one for $80 usd I’d buy it today!

Admittedly many well-used ones go for more.
I got lucky that day.

 

[christusvictor]

Find some decent vintage Case, Schrade, Kabar (all pictured were <75) and Colonial, Imperial, and other Providence, RI brands (often <$25)

 

[The Kidd]

The little Queen aluminum framed Barlows are a favorite of mine. They aren’t super sturdy since they’re aluminum framed but they have very good steel in the blades. The old ones also have real saw cut bone scales. I like them because they’re different and a little quirky.

 

[Trey Fuller]

Find some decent vintage Case, Schrade, Kabar (all pictured were <75) and Colonial, Imperial, and other Providence, RI brands (often <$25)

View attachment 2435573

View attachment 2435575

View attachment 2435572

Those are awesome

 

[Ironbut]

You can often find good ones here in the Exchange. Check your local flea markets. Most that you find at the flea markets will be pretty trashed, but I've gotten lucky a few times, and found a few that cleaned up nicely. And they were only a few bucks.

 

[BJE]

The Russell’s as pictured above were made by Boker, Boker makes the same knife with a Boker stamp as well. I have two and they are both excellent, carried my favorite one in a dark green washboard bone on and off for years.

 

[SteveC]

Look for older Camillus 51's and Utica's. There are usually a few decent ones on the auction site.

 

[Jack Black]

Hey guys this is my first post on the forum and I’m writing here because I figure you are the experts.

So, I love Barlows and I’m wondering what some good affordable options are to build my collection. I see so many beautiful options online but they are all so expensive. I’m looking for under $100 options.

Welcome to the Traditional Forum Trey Best place to start is with the sub-forum guidelines

We want the forum to focus upon the discussion of traditional knives...not the purchasing process, prices nor vendors and their websites.

 

[RickHuf]

Check out the vintage Boker USA Barlows. Good stuff. Any Boker is good, really, but I'm a fan of the USA stuff.

A Wright from Sheffield does a great Barlow in a few cover and blade options.

 

[Will Power]

As mentioned, RR provide a good enough entry to the Barlow world and one that can be found easily and inexpensively. A good starting point to see if you like the pattern and want to progress further with it- as some can be costly.

Other suggestions could be Bear&Son USA they're not elaborate and some say the fit & finish can be a bit rough , might be I've never had any of their stuff. Search for Queen Cutlery's Workhorse series from around 2010 ish. Basic jigged delrin handles and exposed pivot but a tough and well-finished knife in the best Barlow tradition- an inexpensive work-knife or a Boy's knife. Good luck with your searches.




The Scrimshaw on this RR smooth bone was an 'optional extra' done by a skilled woman from America.

 

[karnaknives]

Here's a couple Barlows I bought "used" recently for under $100 each:

Boker


Camillus:

 

[Bigburly912]

Several good recommendations here. I love the vintage ulster barlows with the utility blade on them so I’d like to offer those up as well for your consideration. If I can find mine I’ll post up a picture.