Boker barlows history?

Bladenoobie1

Bladenoobie1

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Jul 20, 2012
Messages
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When did boker start production of its barlows and when did they stop? Do they still make barlows today? I really like the tree brand barlows and I've been considering grabbing one from the bay. Before I do that though, I'd like to know what I'm purchasing and how to properly date a knife. From what I have the use of delrin handles date the knife around the 70s and above? Any information and links would be greatly appreciated. On a side note what are you guys opinion on using vintage/older knives? I don't really collect knives much so if I do grab an older barlow I intend to put it apart of my edc cycle. Nothing extensive will be done with the knife aside from opening mail/packages.

Thanks,
BN
 
I've had a few, I thought they were made into the 90's. There are a few Boker nuts around, and everyone likes the Boker barlows. I wish I had kept mine.
 
If you google them there is a pretty decent tang stamp chart posted online.

IIRC boker USA closed shop in the early 80s and obviously most of the last 30 years of production has been made in Germany. They also have some lines made in China and Argentina that are not always easy to differentiate from the German made ones.

Boker has a really interesting history.
 


I'm not sure I can answer your questions about the history of these knives. You can find some information about Boker's history and tang stamps just doing a google search for Boker tang stamp. Not sure I've see anything specifically about barlows. These old knives are out there if you look hard enough. I found this one about 2 months ago at a local antique mall. It was in pretty rough shape but with some care it still has plenty on life left in it. If you just want to try one out and don't mine a "user" I'd be glad to send this guy to you.

Keith
 
Boker Barlow models have a long lineage and date back to as eary as 1906. They have been offered in one and two blade configurations and with several different main blade shapes. They have also been available in various handle materials from composition to bone and stag. Models from the 1950s through the 1980s are commonly found and reasonably priced.
 
JustinR said:
If you google them there is a pretty decent tang stamp chart posted online.

IIRC boker USA closed shop in the early 80s and obviously most of the last 30 years of production has been made in Germany. They also have some lines made in China and Argentina that are not always easy to differentiate from the German made ones.

Boker has a really interesting history.
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I am aware, but the issue with dating boker barlows is that a lot of the older boker barlows have no tang stamp other than 3 numbers. Also what do you guys think is a fair price for a older boker barlow? I see everything ranging from $1 - $100 so I don't really know what a fair price is on something I may really want.
 
Pete is the Boker history man, I guess he's busy at the moment. A search will find you some good info.
 
Bladenoobie1 said:
I am aware, but the issue with dating boker barlows is that a lot of the older boker barlows have no tang stamp other than 3 numbers. Also what do you guys think is a fair price for a older boker barlow? I see everything ranging from $1 - $100 so I don't really know what a fair price is on something I may really want.
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Ask someone who knows if there is collectors value.

Beyond that..... I paid about $35 for a new (I think Delrin slab) one, however a decent Barlow might run a bit more now. What's it worth to you? If there's no collectors value, just figure what the knife is worth. I wouldn't pay a whole lot for one in poor shape.
 
A really mint 492, 493, or 494 in delrin usually tops out around $60.

If it has paperwork or a limited run handle it can fetch more.

From what I recall they moved to brass liners in the early 1950s. Bone to delrin in the mid 1960s and moved from three handle pins to two pins in the mid 1970s.


The reason you are struggling to date it is because their is no great way to date them.

I have a delrin 492 with three pins and a steel middle liner that is probably early 60s.
 
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JustinR said:
A really mint 492, 493, or 494 in delrin usually tops out around $60.

If it has paperwork or a limited run handle it can fetch more.

From what I recall they moved to brass liners in the early 1950s. Bone to delrin in the mid 1960s and moved from three handle pins to two pins in the mid 1970s.


The reason you are struggling to date it is because their is no great way to date them.

I have a delrin 492 with three pins and a steel middle liner that is probably early 60s.
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Can I see a picture of the 3 pinned delrin boker barlow. I've never seen a 3 pin delrin in all my research and hunting so far.
 
I think you'll find this Knife World article of interest: http://www.boker.de/pdf/knifeworld.pdf

Also:

KW_BokerTangs.jpg
 
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