GEC #77 Medium Barlow Impressions

[JTB_5]

I have an ironwood on the way. This question is a real quandary for me. Normally, everything I buy I put to use right away and this one does looks like the perfect EDC traditional knife. But at the same time, I know what this knife is worth to both collectors and on the secondary market (not that I'd ever contemplate flipping the knife).

Any one else have similar neurotic knife thoughts when it comes to potentially valuable knives?

I had a custom knife made by a maker, and he didn't charge me any different from the knives he makes in his production line. I haven't thought twice about pocketing it or using it. What I paid for that knife is more than what I paid for this 77 barlow, and probably more than this 77 barlow would make on the secondary. I just can't get it out of my blood that a knife is a tool to be used, and not just admired. I know that's just me (and whoever shares my opinion), and not everyone.

 

[TheFactor]

Looks like I’ll be on the hunt

 

[cbr1000]

I have an ironwood on the way. This question is a real quandary for me. Normally, everything I buy I put to use right away and this one does looks like the perfect EDC traditional knife. But at the same time, I know what this knife is worth to both collectors and on the secondary market (not that I'd ever contemplate flipping the knife).

Any one else have similar neurotic knife thoughts when it comes to potentially valuable knives?

As soon as mine arrives it will promptly be added to my giant pile of knives I don't use.

 

[Pàdruig]

Well, as promised, here are some thoughts and more than a few pictures regarding the Northfield #77 Barlow.

I was one of the rather fortunate souls to secure not only one, but three reservations. I really was only interested in two, but the two I wanted were the first and the last to be drawn so I threw my name in the picker so that I might have possible trade fodder in the event that I came up short on the final drawing. Fortune smiled upon me and I managed to secure the two that I wanted as well as an additional one. I was able to obtain one in the Red Sawcut, the Desert Ironwood, and the Elderberry Camel Bone.

Initial impressions of this knife are favorable. It has some excellent heft to it, it feels really good in hand and those of you who have commented in regards to it being an ideal working knife are in for a real treat. It is solidly constructed with a big clip blade that is thinly ground and a secondary coping blade that is also wonderfully ground and I expect it to be immensely useful. The blade combo of the #35 Churchill has proven itself to be magic to me and so I was excited to see something similar implemented in this release of 77s.

As has been noted, the big clip is not pinchable and I do not think the sheepfoot can be dropped to facilitate the main being able to be pinched. I do suspect that a brave soul could implement a EO notch, there does appear to be some room to do so and I would be curious to see someone make such an attempt. The action is good right out of the tube, though I did note that the coping blades are a bit sluggish so I think the knives could certainly benefit from a good flushing. The pulls are about a 6-7 for me, though I do know that is a bit subjective.

These are terrific knives and I feel very fortunate to have been able to acquire a few, my luck is usually not quite so good. I expect that these will remain the highlight of my collection for a good long while. Thank you, Mike knifeswapper , for an excellent run of knives and for putting up with all of our shenanigans.

Enough talk, how about some pics?!

Blood Red Sawcut:

Desert Ironwood:

Elderberry Camel Bone:

All together:

 

[315]

I’m a user!

Hi, my name is Jim and I'm a user too....

I plan on using whatever knife I end up with. One of the other forum members received a sawcut, my first choice, and I received the Micarta, his first choice. We have agreed to swap. For some reason if it doesn't work out I'll just use the Micarta.

I really do appreciate the photos people show of their collections. But every time I acquire another knife I just want to go cut something with it besides envelopes

 

[JTB_5]

Wow, they look great, Dylan! Thanks for the short review. I think you left out the question on many people's minds, which is: are you going to keep all three?

 

[JTB_5]

Hi, my name is Jim and I'm a user too....

I plan on using whatever knife I end up with. One of the other forum members received a sawcut, my first choice, and I received the Micarta, his first choice. We have agreed to swap. For some reason if it doesn't work out I'll just use the Micarta.

I really do appreciate the photos people show of their collections. But every time I acquire another knife I just want to go cut something with it besides envelopes

As a fellow user, I'm sure the thinly ground blade will help to, er..., line things up nicely?

The real question is, patina early, or let it gleam for awhile first?

 

[rswanson]

Wow, Dylan just beautiful! Now I can't wait to see what my ironwood looks like. Thanks for the detailed insight.

You may have helped solve the dilemma I just asked about. I think I'll put it to use. Now, about that EO notch. Hmm....

 

[tmd_87]

WOW, Dylan they are amazing and droll worthy!!!

 

[GE Jr]

Well, as promised, here are some thoughts and more than a few pictures regarding the Northfield #77 Barlow.

I was one of the rather fortunate souls to secure not only one, but three reservations. I really was only interested in two, but the two I wanted were the first and the last to be drawn so I threw my name in the picker so that I might have possible trade fodder in the event that I came up short on the final drawing. Fortune smiled upon me and I managed to secure the two that I wanted as well as an additional one. I was able to obtain one in the Red Sawcut, the Desert Ironwood, and the Elderberry Camel Bone.

Initial impressions of this knife are favorable. It has some excellent heft to it, it feels really good in hand and those of you who have commented in regards to it being an ideal working knife are in for a real treat. It is solidly constructed with a big clip blade that is thinly ground and a secondary coping blade that is also wonderfully ground and I expect it to be immensely useful. The blade combo of the #35 Churchill has proven itself to be magic to me and so I was excited to see something similar implemented in this release of 77s.

As has been noted, the big clip is not pinchable and I do not think the sheepfoot can be dropped to facilitate the main being able to be pinched. I do suspect that a brave soul could implement a EO notch, there does appear to be some room to do so and I would be curious to see someone make such an attempt. The action is good right out of the tube, though I did note that the coping blades are a bit sluggish so I think the knives could certainly benefit from a good flushing. The pulls are about a 6-7 for me, though I do know that is a bit subjective.

These are terrific knives and I feel very fortunate to have been able to acquire a few, my luck is usually not quite so good. I expect that these will remain the highlight of my collection for a good long while. Thank you, Mike knifeswapper , for an excellent run of knives and for putting up with all of our shenanigans.

Enough talk, how about some pics?!

Blood Red Sawcut:

Desert Ironwood:

Elderberry Camel Bone:

All together:

Great write-up and pics (as usual), Dylan. Gives me something to look at as I await the typically late mail truck.

 

[tstaut]

Got my two. Just lovely I'd say.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

That micarta looks great!

 

[JTB_5]

That micarta looks great!

I'll second that!

 

[Tyd450]

My pair just showed up, very pleased with them!

 

[Augie]

My elderberry showed up and it is a gorgeous knife,I know the bone did not come out how everyone was expecting but the light color is very attractive.

 

[JTB_5]

My elderberry showed up and it is a gorgeous knife,I know the bone did not come out how everyone was expecting but the light color is very attractive.

View attachment 888850 View attachment 888851 View attachment 888852

Well matched on yours, too.

 

[HST]

Wonderful NF Barlow’s, everyone. I’m very pleased with my example. I was fortunate enough to win a lottery drawing. Since it was all luck, I was lucky enough, to get the one I liked the most. Ironwood would be my second followed closely by N. micarta.

It’s in my pocket riding free currently.

 

[paulhilborn]

I'm joining the masses here. Taking down holiday lighting and mine arrived while doing so. I took a shade and sun shot. More red than pink=happy, happy

Willing to trade if someone wants a more red elderberry

 

[r8shell]

These are all looking great!

Still waiting.

 

[JTB_5]

Two quick shots.