GEC #77 Medium Barlow Impressions

I’m the happy owner of single clip blades in Old Red sawcut, Old Tan sawcut, and Autumn Gold smooth.

Like my 2014 Forum Knife (my only other #77), all three of my #77 Barlows have slightly proud backsprings at half-stop. (I’m talking about only a fraction of a millimeter--something only a knife knut would notice, so not a big deal. Then again, if GEC is going to the trouble of providing half-stops, maybe this is an area that they could improve upon.)

Compared to my Forum Knife with a pull of around 5, my three #77 Barlows have pulls of around 7. All three had nice smooth action right out of the tube; no grittiness.

Also, all blades are approximately centered when closed, with no blade play when open. All swedges are nicely ground and are symmetric side-to-side. No scratches on any of the bolsters or blades.

My Autumn Gold smooth bone has the best build quality of the bunch, while both sawcuts have a few very minor manufacturing dings/scratches/irregularities in the covers. Nice, rich coloration in all of the bone covers.

I, too, am looking forward to future runs of this classy and perfectly-sized (for me, anyway!) knife.

#77 Barlows 1.jpg#77 Barlows 2.jpg
 
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I 'oiled the joint' of my 77 Blackwood/Clip and then rubbed in a thin coat of the same mineral oil into the Blackwood handles. The handles now look much closer to true black. The wood absorbed the oil quite quickly so i think it needed it.
Anybody else do this ?
kj
 
kootenay joe said:
I 'oiled the joint' of my 77 Blackwood/Clip and then rubbed in a thin coat of the same mineral oil into the Blackwood handles. The handles now look much closer to true black. The wood absorbed the oil quite quickly so i think it needed it.
Anybody else do this ?
kj
Click to expand...

I rubbed my blackwood scales with some lemon oil; they didn't seem all that thirsty though.
 
"they didn't seem all that thirsty though."
This might be due to how much lemon oil you applied. I put on just a thin film of oil rubbing it in with my finger. Had i applied a thicker coat, it might not all have been absorbed.
Did the color darken on your handles ?
kj
 
Liking my blackwood sheepsfoot and should have a tan clip later this week to join it. I'm just hoping in the next run we get can get a long pull spear on the docket... and maybe I'm old fashioned but a pen secondary would be welcome too.
 
I just can't get enough of this L-P single sheepfoot is all I can say. For a LONG time I've wanted a single L-P sheepfoot Barlow. This one came along at a time when it fit in the budget and also, being in the Northfield configuration is a plus as I love nickel-silver.

It's not left my pocket since it arrived last week. :thumbup:
 
I'm really enjoying this knife. I jumped over the cliff and made it mine this weekend. A few apples, a ham steak and a coffee dip or two have started the patina, and I went to town on the kick to bring the tip down to what I think is a reasonable level, probably about 3/32 deep in the well. I can still pinch it open, but I'm an upright bass player, so my grip strength may not be representative. I also have thumbnails of steel, so I have no problem using the long pull. I also touched up and evened out the edge on my lansky.

20150223_113049 by mrbleh, on Flickr
20150223_113117 by mrbleh, on Flickr
 
kootenay joe said:
I 'oiled the joint' of my 77 Blackwood/Clip and then rubbed in a thin coat of the same mineral oil into the Blackwood handles. The handles now look much closer to true black. The wood absorbed the oil quite quickly so i think it needed it.
Anybody else do this ?
kj
Click to expand...

I did the same with the light coat on overnight. The dark wood now "pops."
I took 4 pictures but only posted the 2 that were less complimentary and more in depth/detailed for a more accurate view.
Also I had to include the most beautiful stag. To me...breath taking!





greg
 
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Agreed, the match on that stag is remarkable.

Well, after some twitchy keyboard moments I have a clip tan saw cut on its way. Possibly the first to the UK and a fine partner for my amber bone clip Charlow:)

Just a note on flipping, pretty much all the knives listed on the exchange over recent days have been at fair prices. Kudos to those involved, I wouldn't have been able to get one otherwise:)

Sam
 
Shipping Notifications received!!!!!! :D Finally now I can get my hands on these beauties in a few days instead of drooling over everyone else's. I will be checking my mailbox with bated breath.
 
Beautiful stag on that knife, Greg. The quality of stag on recent GEC releases has been stellar!
 
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