Charlow Barlow History

philllll said:
Charlie brought a surprise to the 2014 G.E.C. Rendezvous...

The Skunk Barlow!

DrmfX7U_zps780ba31c.jpg~original


zL4mvIg_zpse6868465.jpg~original
Click to expand...

More accurately, GEC surprised Charlie with skunk barlows at the Rendezvous. :D

~ P.
 
I don't have any real inside info to add, but I did get a chance to handle one of these at the Rendezvous. It was gorgeous in person. Charlie wouldn't sell it, though, the big meany... ;)
 
Some insight from Jon today on the first run ebony spears, and the walnut wood:

jon_slider email 08/11/2014 said:
some notes on gec charlow production
the original estimate that only 9 ebony single spear long pulls were produced in 2013 is updated by the GEC production schedule, which says 25 were made. I recall that Gec at that time began producing a run of Ebony Boys knives, that did not use Charlies Ebony. I suspect that the Gec sourced ebony on the Boys knives was also used for some of the 25 Ebony Charlows.
http://greateasterncutlery.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2013-PRODUCTION-TOTALS.pdf

The walnut charlows btw, are stabilized. That means acrylic impregnated wood treatment, because walnut is light and porous, density of 40 lbs. The Acrylic density is 72. That makes the wood impervious to liquids since its soaked in hard plastic. Acrylic is food safe and is used. Stabilized wood is used on high end knives because the material won't shrink or expand, and takes a high polish. However, acrylic does not tolerate boiling water, and it is flammable.
Click to expand...


Jon and I discussed whether or not the 3rd Cut Stag is stabilized. I have a hunch that it is, but no hard evidence. It might also just have a CA finish on the outside. I think there is definitely some sort of sealant/coating on them because the stuff is extremely porous.
 
philllll said:
Thanks, P, for the clarification. Got any more inside info on these?
Click to expand...

Yep.



runaway.gif~original









Okay, that wasn't nice. ;)

But I'm sometimes blurry on what's to be under my hat and what's already been shouted from the rooftops, so most all clarifications should come from Charlie. I'm pretty good after the fact, and sometimes with direct questions.

philllll said:
Some insight from Jon today on the first run ebony spears, and the walnut wood:
jon_slider said:
he original estimate that only 9 ebony single spear long pulls were produced in 2013 is updated by the GEC production schedule, which says 25 were made.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

EDIT:

Cue Emily Litella; the following refers not to the 2013 long-pull spear barlows as referred to above, but those of the first run ever, in 2012.

Ah, but there really were only 9 ebony single spear long pull barlows made at first, and scant more doubles (if that many? I forget)-- but a second run within the run (ie, more knives produced after the first shipments from the factory had been made and the moment had seemingly passed, but quickly enough that they were all "of the run") brought forth more. So, the "9" was true for a distinct if short period of time.

Never mind.

:o

~ P.
 
Last edited:
I believe there were those few at the end of 2012, and the run with the pile-side pens was in 2013. Might be wrong, though. Can you check that beautiful harlequin one?
 
philllll said:
I believe there were those few at the end of 2012, and the run with the pile-side pens was in 2013. Might be wrong, though. Can you check that beautiful harlequin one?
Click to expand...

Aha-- just did; 2013. My apologies, I was referring to the PPP (original) run in my post above. I forgot about the long-pull tagalongs.

bag.gif~original


I shall edit my previous post, to avoid future confusion.

~ P.
 
philllll said:
Every PPP I've seen was a 2012.
Click to expand...

:thumbup:

That was the First Run, the Premier of the #15 Barlow Pattern. All subsequent runs are variations on (or returns to) the pattern; only the first is the Premier, and warrants the PPP.

~ P.
 
philllll said:
Jon and I discussed whether or not the 3rd Cut Stag is stabilized. I have a hunch that it is, but no hard evidence. It might also just have a CA finish on the outside. I think there is definitely some sort of sealant/coating on them because the stuff is extremely porous.
Click to expand...

I do not think that the stag is stabilized. I remember Charlie mentioning that they use a CA finish on the 3rd cut stag to prevent the marrow from absorbing too much of the polishing compound. The CA acts as a surface stabilizer by sealing all of the pores in the marrow, preventing stains, and adding some strength to the material. Really great stuff.

After comparing the scales on this latest run of 3rd cuts, and the original run, they do seam to have the same finish treatment. Also, feeling the slight give on the marrow of the 3rd cut confirms that it was not stabilized using epoxy, as it would be hard as a rock.

I am by no means an expert, so anyone please correct me if I am wrong. :D


Thanks for bringing this one back from the dead Phil, tons of awesome info and beautiful pictures in here!!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Oh, and a fun fact for those who don't know, Cyanoacrylate Adhesive (CA) is more commonly known as super glue!
 
pertinux said:
:thumbup:

That was the First Run, the Premier of the #15 Barlow Pattern. All subsequent runs are variations on (or returns to) the pattern; only the first is the Premier, and warrants the PPP.

~ P.
Click to expand...

Wasn't the original run of TC Barlows the only #15's that had the PPP? I think GEC made the Huckleberry Boy's Knife after Charlie's TCs, therefore, I assume, no PPP on them, as GEC does not change the pattern based on the bolsters used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top