Charlow, the Anti Peanut

[Andya27]

Ahhh! And ya call yourself a hunter! Why I recall back when we'd duct tape a peanut to a broom stick and go bear hunting!

Those were the days!

 

[arizonaranchman]

This thread is making me want to hold off on buying knives out here now. Is the 15 that much better than the 06 and the 'nut?

The Pemberton is an awesome little knife. IMHO it's the best production knife in this category of SMALL pocket knives. You'll not be disappointed in it at all.

The main blade on my spey Charlow is 7.0cm. The Charlow is a GREAT knife, but it's a different category at 3.5" (8.8cm) closed. The Pemberton is 7.0cm closed.


Pemberton and TC Barlow (aka "Charlow")

 

[Woodrow F Call]

It's my understanding that the Pemberton has a bit thicker blade than the Peanut. I'd think you'd want a thin blade in a small knife to offer less resistance when cutting.

I always hear the terms: razor, scalpel, and slicer when referring to the Nut.

How do the two compare?

 

[glocktenman]

Ah, Charles was involved with these. "it was so simple like the jitterbug it plumb evaded me." Thanks.

Tom's Choice Barlows, SFO'd by Waynorth AKA Charlie Campagna, and affectionately nicknamed "Charlows"



excepting of course the top right knife which is a GEC "Boy's Knife" pattern #15

 

[arizonaranchman]

I don't know.

I've been using these two side by side now since I got the 15 last summer. In everyday cutting, I don't really see any difference at all in their performance. They both cut whatever needs to be cut, and both feel good in hand. I've yet to cut anything with the GEC 15 that the peanut couldn't do as well. If a piece of rope or twine needs cutting, does the knife cut it or not? If UPS drops a box off, and after opening it, I break down the box to go in the recycle bin, does the knife slice the cardboard or not? Yeah.

It's all in what you like. Just like ice cream, some folks like a mint pistachio swirl, while others like rocky road. But to claim one is a light duty pocket knife while the other is something more, is not right. The very truth is, both of them are light duty. A pocket knife is still just a pocket knife. Both are a fold-up pocket friendly cutting tool that is not a machete, pry bar, broadsword, or lumber tool. A pocket knife is for cutting that is a compromise between function and convenience. If you run into something that your pocket knife is not enough for, having another inch of pocket knife is not likely to do that much better. It's time for a whole other tool. A machete, hatchet, or the unfolding sheath knife. Looking back on 99% of what I've ever used a pocket knife on, any inch long utility knife or box cutter would have done just as well. Heck, there are a zillion contractors and construction workers using a utility knife for their only knife. All of an inch long blade out of razor blade thin stock. They're slicing tar paper, stripping cable, and breaking down some very heavy cardboard boxes refrigerators and stoves come in. Food use is the sole dividing point of whether a knife is too small or not. I have a kitchen counter with a knife block full of Victorinox-Forshcner kitchen knives, and my 7 inch chefs knife does 99% of the kitchen work. Once in a while Karen will be using the paring knife out of the block, so I'll just use whatever is in my pocket for the fine job at hand. If I have food out in the woods, then it's just smaller snack food, not a roast turkey to be carved. A sausage or cheese, some french bread, maybe an apple.

Personal likes are what makes the choice. If you don't like something, that's your taste. So be it. They told Charles Lindbergh that he was going to die if he tried to cross the ocean in that little single engine plane. His answer was, "how much plane to I need for one man and a bag of sandwiches?" It's all about perspective. How ya look at it.

Personally, I love chocolate chip.

Carl, Grand High Muckba of maximum minimalism.

Well said and I agree. The proper tool for the job at hand is always the deciding factor here. You can't expect a pocket knife to perform miracles and do things it wasn't designed to do. If you need to baton or split wood you need a splitting axe or one heckuva sturdy and large fixed blade knife. A box cutter IS better at extensive box cutting. A filet knife IS better at it's task.

A small pocket knife in the Peanut/Pemberton category will get the job done surprisingly well 99% of the time when a pocket knife is appropriate for the job. Yes a 4"+ Trapper might be more ideal at times, but in reality the small knife actually will get it done. In certain trades and jobs a big beefy Large Stockman, etc would be a wise choice. But for the average person who just needs to perform a wide range of typical daily tasks the Lil Guy will get it done.

That being said, you must know I have a Pemberton and a Charlow in my pocket as I type this! I love them both and find them near-perfect companions, especially as a duo.

 

[sitflyer]

The one thing that all of you seem to gloss over is that for some folks, and as our group ages, more of us, just can't get a secure grip on the little framed knives. Yes, the blade is capable, yes, the knife is aesthetically pleasing with graceful lines, even beautiful. But if the user can't get a solid purchase on frame holding the sharp and capable blade, the tool becomes somewhat useless, maybe even dangerous to the user...

 

[kamagong]

Yes indeed. It seems that there are two groups, both overstating their case.

1) The peanut can handle anything you need a pocketknife for.
2) The peanut is nothing more than a light use knife.

It seems that both groups ignore the fact that people have different circumstances and needs. Or even that they have a different tastes and preferences. The peanut may be light as a feather, but it's not like you're carrying a brick with the GEC 73. Some want the light weight a peanut offers, others want a larger blade and handle. They're both right.

Peanut or barlow the important thing is that its owner is one of us, one of the enlightened, and not one of those poor benighted souls who do not see the wisdom in carrying man's oldest tool.

- Christian

 

[Andya27]

The one thing that all of you seem to gloss over is that for some folks, and as our group ages, more of us, just can't get a secure grip on the little framed knives. Yes, the blade is capable, yes, the knife is aesthetically pleasing with graceful lines, even beautiful. But if the user can't get a solid purchase on frame holding the sharp and capable blade, the tool becomes somewhat useless, maybe even dangerous to the user...

You raise a really good point here. I'm already having some difficulty with arthritis in my hand. Not only are small knives an issue, but opening a slipjoint will become more problematic for me. I can see a Case trapper lock in my future.

 

[arizonaranchman]

The one thing that all of you seem to gloss over is that for some folks, and as our group ages, more of us, just can't get a secure grip on the little framed knives. Yes, the blade is capable, yes, the knife is aesthetically pleasing with graceful lines, even beautiful. But if the user can't get a solid purchase on frame holding the sharp and capable blade, the tool becomes somewhat useless, maybe even dangerous to the user...

A very valid point and not one I took into consideration in my opinion. Each person will have needs, whether it be due to this or perhaps the tasks to be performed. Choose what suits your needs and tastes of course.

 

[SAK Guy]

The one thing that all of you seem to gloss over is that for some folks, and as our group ages, more of us, just can't get a secure grip on the little framed knives. Yes, the blade is capable, yes, the knife is aesthetically pleasing with graceful lines, even beautiful. But if the user can't get a solid purchase on frame holding the sharp and capable blade, the tool becomes somewhat useless, maybe even dangerous to the user...

You raise a really good point here. I'm already having some difficulty with arthritis in my hand. Not only are small knives an issue, but opening a slipjoint will become more problematic for me. I can see a Case trapper lock in my future.

I have RA and have trouble with smaller knives like peanuts. While 3 1/2 is my lower limit on most slipjoints, 3 7/8 to 4 1/2 are better. Been carrying an older Schrade 194OT single blade trapper (liner lock) since Christmas. Like it so much, just bought another one and have a SC503 scrimshaw SS version on the way. Easy open and simple. :thumbup:

 

[sunandsteel]

You raise a really good point here. I'm already having some difficulty with arthritis in my hand. Not only are small knives an issue, but opening a slipjoint will become more problematic for me. I can see a Case trapper lock in my future.

We all use what's best for our hands. I also have a little arthritis in my hands, and I'm still relatively young. If I start to struggle with a little knife like the peanut, it will either get passed on to family or be put away in storage. I use what's comfortable for me. By the way, do they make assisted opening traditionals? That wouldn't be an option for me anyway because they're illegal in my state.

 

[jon_slider]

It's my understanding that the Pemberton has a bit thicker blade than the Peanut….How do the two compare?

True a Pemby uses thicker stock for the primary blades, and the primary blade is wider and stiffer. The peanut blade seems fragile and flexy by comparison. The Peanut uses primary blade stock that is the same thickness as its pen blade. On Gec knives the pen blade is the same thickness as peanut blades. (I hope someone educates me if Im mistaken)

Pemby's are built like a tank, and their weight reflects it. I don't think anyone would say a Peanut is built like a tank, its a more delicate knife.

So yes, the thin narrow hollow ground primary blade of the peanut is more scalpel like than the primary blade of a Pemby. I would say the pen blades are about equal in both nut and pemby.

This thread is making me want to hold off on buying knives out here now. Is the 15 that much better than the 06 and the 'nut?

When it comes to questions that ask which one is better, my answer is Both. But in your case, the Charlow is 1cm longer than the 6cm limit you are subject to in Japan. So I suggest you try a relatively inexpensive Peanut. The GEC Pemberton and the Conductor also meet your size restriction. The conductor primary blade is the longest of the three, by 1/4", but still maxes out below 6cm.

When comparing specs of knives that are not in hand, besides length, I like to consider weight and to a lesser degree, relative cost..
Peanuts cost about $1 a gram,
Charlows about $1.31 a gram, and
Pembys about $2 a gram
damstag nuts cost about $3.15 a gram
(for comparison purposes only, we are not supposed to post prices)

1 Blade Pemby 33 grams
2 blade Peanut 35 grams
2 blade Pemberton 47 grams (34% heavier, 3x the price of a peanut)
Single blade Boys Knife also 47 grams (34% heavier and 2x the price of a peanut)
Single blade Charlow 57 grams (63% heavier and 2.25x the price of a nut)
2 blade Charlow, (as well as most other 2 blade Barlows), 72 grams (105% heavier and 3x the price of a nut) (Boker Barlows can be had for the same price as a peanut)

thanks to everyone for the great photos and thoughtful contributions

 

[waynorth]

I love all this discussion. We seem to have collectively boiled things down to the essentials. Carry the knife you like and need, and one is not necessarily better than the other.
Now this one* is another story.
When you can't run out and buy a knife, even this one will (have to) do!!

Thanks for the link, Christian!
And thanks for this cool thread, Jon, and all who have contributed so far!!


*the Iceman's knife!

 

[sweetT019]

My peanut gets much more pocket time than my #15. I love the size/shape of the #15 but the main blade is hard to open. My Nothfield #85 gets most of the use, but sometimes i will carry the #15. My peanut gets carried almost every day. I don't use it that much though.

 

[Jack Black]

I confess Ive begun to include pen blades (remnants of peanuthood) in my Grail knives

this one belongs to Jack Black I believe a gift from Duncan, who after losing his Charlow, received one back from Paul Hilborn

pen behinds, gifts from the heart

That one is from Charlie, I have a matching Clip from Duncan

 

[Raymond1000]

I don't know.

I've been using these two side by side now since I got the 15 last summer. In everyday cutting, I don't really see any difference at all in their performance. They both cut whatever needs to be cut, and both feel good in hand. I've yet to cut anything with the GEC 15 that the peanut couldn't do as well. If a piece of rope or twine needs cutting, does the knife cut it or not? If UPS drops a box off, and after opening it, I break down the box to go in the recycle bin, does the knife slice the cardboard or not? Yeah.

It's all in what you like. Just like ice cream, some folks like a mint pistachio swirl, while others like rocky road. But to claim one is a light duty pocket knife while the other is something more, is not right. The very truth is, both of them are light duty. A pocket knife is still just a pocket knife. Both are a fold-up pocket friendly cutting tool that is not a machete, pry bar, broadsword, or lumber tool. A pocket knife is for cutting that is a compromise between function and convenience. If you run into something that your pocket knife is not enough for, having another inch of pocket knife is not likely to do that much better. It's time for a whole other tool. A machete, hatchet, or the unfolding sheath knife. Looking back on 99% of what I've ever used a pocket knife on, any inch long utility knife or box cutter would have done just as well. Heck, there are a zillion contractors and construction workers using a utility knife for their only knife. All of an inch long blade out of razor blade thin stock. They're slicing tar paper, stripping cable, and breaking down some very heavy cardboard boxes refrigerators and stoves come in. Food use is the sole dividing point of whether a knife is too small or not. I have a kitchen counter with a knife block full of Victorinox-Forshcner kitchen knives, and my 7 inch chefs knife does 99% of the kitchen work. Once in a while Karen will be using the paring knife out of the block, so I'll just use whatever is in my pocket for the fine job at hand. If I have food out in the woods, then it's just smaller snack food, not a roast turkey to be carved. A sausage or cheese, some french bread, maybe an apple.

Personal likes are what makes the choice. If you don't like something, that's your taste. So be it. They told Charles Lindbergh that he was going to die if he tried to cross the ocean in that little single engine plane. His answer was, "how much plane to I need for one man and a bag of sandwiches?" It's all about perspective. How ya look at it.

Personally, I love chocolate chip.

Carl, Grand High Muckba of maximum minimalism.

Apprentice carpenters are put with a journeyman, who is expected to show the kid the ropes. And the studs and the joist and the rafters. I worked one job assembling prefab panels into a building. They put me with this carpenter who looked older than God. (Ah well. He was younger at the time than I am today.) He’s the one who taught me to keep a can of paste floor wax in my tool kit. Not only did it discourage rust on my handsaws. It also slicked them up and took some work out of cutting with one.

I’d kept a Stanley knife in my belt pouch for years, as had he. But he also carried a folding hunter. It came in handy on that job because we had to cut lots of specialized foam to fill the panels around conduit or framed in doors. Sometimes foam, sometimes thick bats of fiberglass insulation. For either of those the Stanley knife was just too short. A four inch blade worked better.

I watched him use that hunter, and bought a similar knife for myself. I carried it in my work pants for many years. Nine times out of ten, I’d grab the utility knife to make a cut. But there were always times when the longer blade worked better. For example, I could whittle plugs for concrete forms faster with the folding hunter than with the Stanley knife.

I won’t say every carpenter I knew carried a big slippy like that. But a lot of them did.

 

[mnblade]

This has been an interesting thread, but I'm still thrown by the title: "Charlow, the Anti Peanut." If anything, the mammoth Buck 110 should be the anti-peanut, right?

-- Mark

 

[sitflyer]

This has been an interesting thread, but I'm still thrown by the title: "Charlow, the Anti Peanut." If anything, the mammoth Buck 110 should be the anti-peanut, right?

-- Mark

You mean this lil' feller ¿
( I am not anti peanut in any way ) walk your own walk and do so proudly!

 

[TLARbb]

As far as peanuts and Charlows are concerned, I could get by most days with either one. Indeed, I just came off of a nearly 3 month experiment with just 3 knives to use until the first of this year. I picked a Schrade Little Finger fixed blade, my nifebrite boy's knife (cousin to a Charlow) and a mini copperhead (nearly, but not quite a peanut). I think they both have a place in the pocket, indeed some days I carried both.

Since the first of the year, I find myself picking up the boy's knife or the harvest orange peanut (it's what I carried today) most of the time. I won the peanut in Leghog's give away.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Charlows quite a lot, leaning to the single blade versions because I am not overly fond of the pen blade in front of the main which has always been an issure for me. (The Eurekas have the same issue as well.)

The peanut works for me better than a 2-blade Charlow because the pen is behind the main. The mini Copperhead, my favorite, has blades on each end which avoids the issue as well.

I get the feeling that I am just rambling in this post and have said everything relevant to the OP that I have to offer, and more besides.

Take care, folks.

Ed J

 

[festerfromnzed]

Apprentice carpenters are put with a journeyman, who is expected to show the kid the ropes. And the studs and the joist and the rafters. I worked one job assembling prefab panels into a building. They put me with this carpenter who looked older than God. (Ah well. He was younger at the time than I am today.) He’s the one who taught me to keep a can of paste floor wax in my tool kit. Not only did it discourage rust on my handsaws. It also slicked them up and took some work out of cutting with one.

I’d kept a Stanley knife in my belt pouch for years, as had he. But he also carried a folding hunter. It came in handy on that job because we had to cut lots of specialized foam to fill the panels around conduit or framed in doors. Sometimes foam, sometimes thick bats of fiberglass insulation. For either of those the Stanley knife was just too short. A four inch blade worked better.

I watched him use that hunter, and bought a similar knife for myself. I carried it in my work pants for many years. Nine times out of ten, I’d grab the utility knife to make a cut. But there were always times when the longer blade worked better. For example, I could whittle plugs for concrete forms faster with the folding hunter than with the Stanley knife.

I won’t say every carpenter I knew carried a big slippy like that. But a lot of them did.

Agreed with everything youve said....I carry 3 knives as a carpenter..A stanley,4inch long fixed by camillus (Campanion) and a large slippy.....Ive never carried a peanut,not that i dont like them just never owned one..I find Charlies offering as small as i like unless its a sheepsfoot blade...They cut hard even when theyre small in my experience.......FES