help me choose my first slippie

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I have been into modern knives for a long time but have recently been getting more and more into the classic designs. Now that I have bought a turn of the century S&W in .44 Russian i would like a nice folder that matches it.
I really like the look of the 1890's to 1912 daddy Barlow and was wondering if there is a good modern repro or even a similar original that is not so rare that
I could use it occasionally?

I don't want something as cheap as a rough rider. I was thinking of the slippie version of a Spyderco caly3?

I would also prefer an older original used knife and saw a nice cammillus repro of the barlow on another thread. Are there any case /K-Bar etc that are popular and nice but to common to have a lot of value?

Thanks

 

[moonwilson]

Schatt & Morgan made a Daddy Barlow last year that is still widely available. If you don't mind stainless, that's a good choice.

http://www.schattandmorgan.com/series17.htm

Old-school cool!

The traditional barlow that has folks excited these days is the Great Eastern Cutlery #25 model. It's only 3", so might be a tad small for your taste, but it is excellent. There are tons of blade, handle and bolster styles available. Here's an example:

http://www.titanskins.com/knives/images/full/gec_barlow.jpg

The GEC #25 is a great pattern, and extremely well made, but the backsprings are extra, extra tight on them. I will be extremely difficult to find an original, turn of the century barlow that is still in good shape, and doesn't cost you a fortune. Ebay would be a good place to start looking, though. There are many makers that make barlows that are very similar to what was being made back then. Queen, Case, Russell, Boker and Bulldog all make barlows, for starters.

Here's a link to an excellent place to find cool, traditional knives. Warning! Do not click on this link if you like having money!
http://www.collectorknives.net/

 

[Unsub]

Thanks I will definitely check out the links ,MoonWilson.

What are the best slippeis for investment purposes both new and used?

Also what are some of the hot slippies that are out right now. Obviously I will keep checking this forum as well.
I saw some nice ones on Knives ship free as well.

I don't hate stainless but I have a soft spot for carbon steel even in modern style knives.

 

[augustus88]

Also what are some of the hot slippies that are out right now.

Seems like Great Eastern Cutlery is making some of the most sought after production slipjoints right now. I have two in my collection and two on the way. I'm also considering a #25 Barlow in Black Walnut Rough Cut Bone at the moment. Best part is their broad selection of 1095 carbon steel knives.

http://www.greateasterncutlery.net/

 

[Unsub]

Thanks for the link augustus ,I had checked out some of their stuff before and was very impressed but it is nice to see they have a good rep here.
I love 1095 because it is easy to sharpen and the patina suits what I think a traditional blade should look like.

 

[mnblade]

What are the best slippeis for investment purposes both new and used?

I'm all for buying, carrying, using and collecting knives. But I really wouldn't ever consider knives an "investment." Take your investment dough and put it into good growth-stock mutual funds with long track records. Then take your discretionary cash and buy all the knives you want to make you happy.