Help me pick a Barlow

Bigfatts

Bigfatts

Joined
Mar 12, 2012
Messages
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This is the first summer since my grandfather passed (Dec. 17). I'm really missing him right now as I usually spent a lot of time with him during the summers. He was the one who gave me my first knife, an old 2 blade Barlow. I don't remember what make it was, just that it was my prized posession and I cut everything I could with it. Years passed and that knife was lost somewhere but the memories are still there; cutting hay bales helping feed the cows, peeling oranges, cutting gallon jugs open to hold freshly picked blackberries...

Well, since I'm missing Pappy I figured I would replace that old Barlow. He always loved a good pocket knife. Now, I know nothing about traditionals- the only only one I have is a SAK, if that counts. There seem to be numerous makers that sport Barlows but I need help picking one. I do want a new manufactured knife. Doesn't need to be flashy or fancy, just good quality. We'll set the budget at $75-ish. Any help is appreciated.
 
What size?

Gec makes a small barlow. They can be had at that price point. Also look at Bulldog Barlows (made by GEC), they are also small barlows, right in that price range.

I like the all steel version.

There is one for $72 all steel with ebony handle scales. Sure looks lovely.
 
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Hm, I didn't know Barlows came in different sizes. Is there a standard size? All the ones I've seen seem to be the same. I will look at the ones you mentioned.
 
Here are my barlows. Big, small (what I would call a "tadpole" barlow), medium (just a bit longer than the GEC, but not by much).

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Bigfatts said:
Hm, I didn't know Barlows came in different sizes. Is there a standard size? All the ones I've seen seem to be the same. I will look at the ones you mentioned.
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I have a few in my collection, and yes, they "do" seem to be approximately the same size.
Mine are about thee and three eights closed, five and three quarters to five and seven eighths with the main blade open, & the main blades average about two and a half inches.
Barlows can be had with single or two blades. Grand Daddy Barlows are bigger, but I don't have any of those yet.
If you can find one, I recommend getting either a Schrade USA, or a Camillus, but there are more out there, ie Imperial etc.
I prefer mine made in the US. ;)
-Bruce
 
Ah, mine was similar to Bigfattyt's 2nd from the left. That would be te size I'm looking for.
 
Ballenxj said:
I have a few in my collection, and yes, they "do" seem to be approximately the same size.
Mine are about thee and three eights closed, five and three quarters to five and seven eighths with the main blade open, & the main blades average about two and a half inches.
Barlows can be had with single or two blades. Grand Daddy Barlows are bigger, but I don't have any of those yet.
If you can find one, I recommend getting either a Schrade USA, or a Camillus, but there are more out there, ie Imperial etc.
I prefer mine made in the US. ;)
-Bruce
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The 3 1/4, 3 1/2 to 3 3/8 does seem to be the "normal" size.


That old Western barlow is longer than the GEC barlow by about that much. The length makes a big difference in hand.


The GEC barlows are 3 inches. Some find them to be too small. I do like them. They fit the coin pocket perfect.
 
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I picked up a Bear & Sons, it's nice. Couple things like a space on the spine & the grind needs a little work. But, it has carbon blades & the price point is good.
I'm new to Barlows. if all of them have blades this thick and liners like this, no wonder they were a working knife. :thumbup:
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The GEC Barlow has been pretty popular of late, but I found it to be too small. I'm not criticizing it, but I think it is something worth bearing in mind when you choose your new knife. I'd consider shifting slightly away from the Barlow and getting something like the Queen Balloon Jack at 3 1/2". If you want to stick with a Barlow for the memories, Case still makes a Barlow, and Queen made a Dan Burke Barlow that is an excellent working knife. I have a Rough Rider barlow that is a good working knife and was relatively inexpensive. The auction site has plenty of barlows, as does the AAPK dealers section.
 
You might also want to check out the Bokers and the current Russells (which are produced by Boker). If you want to go vintage, there are tons of quality ones out there which can be had for under your price limit (esp. if you're willing to go with synthetic instead of natural handles).
 
Thanks for the tips guys. I currently have my eye on a couple, including a Boker Tree Brand and a Russell. Still looking around but liking both of those.
 
There is something about your Bear Barlow that really interests me Rob. I have two Bear's including one of the Remington BSA Scout repro's and they could use a little work, but your Barlow looks terrific!

Off to do some investigation...

Cheers,
Griff
 
popedandy said:
The GEC Barlow has been pretty popular of late, but I found it to be too small. I'm not criticizing it, but I think it is something worth bearing in mind when you choose your new knife. I'd consider shifting slightly away from the Barlow and getting something like the Queen Balloon Jack at 3 1/2". If you want to stick with a Barlow for the memories, Case still makes a Barlow, and Queen made a Dan Burke Barlow that is an excellent working knife. I have a Rough Rider barlow that is a good working knife and was relatively inexpensive. The auction site has plenty of barlows, as does the AAPK dealers section.
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That little Queen Burke I got from you is one of my favorite folders, I've had a couple people try to trade it from me. Thanks again.

The big one is also a great knife. I've found more than just Colonial barlows out there, including an old Remington two blade barlow with the pen blade almost gone, and a Camillus no 9 at a steal. I've seen those Queen Dan Burke models still available and they are the best example of a barlow I've ever seen. Even though they were not as flashy as my Queen barlow, the sawcut delrin Bokers were great, maybe the ones I had were such a step above the Colonials they stand out in my memory.
 
For what it's worth I picked up a Camillus #51 Barlow for $7 at a flea market on Sunday, it's extremely solid knife. It looks like the previous owner used it hard, tip was broken, probably used as a screwdriver, looks like a tradesmen owned it saw dust, some paint and caulking in the grooves on the bolsters. Cleaned it up reshaped the tip, it's still a very solid knife, no blade play or gaps, and both blades took a excellent edge. This is my first Barlow and for a pattern that never really intrest me, I am now very impressed with this small stout pattern.
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Highly recommend this camillus.
 
An old but well cared for Böker Tree Brand would be a nice example to have. Check some pix in the Traditonal of the Month thread. July is Barlow month.

I gave a friend a CASE 6.5 Bonestag Barlow some years back. He liked it and it is a decent looking specimen.
 
See if you can find one of the single or two bladed Queen Aluminum frame barlows. Made in the four traditional blade styles - Clip, Spear, Sheepsfoot, Razor - mainly derlin handles but if your 'really' lucky, they can be found in stag (the stag probably not for $70) but definetly the derlin scaled ones. Very light & pocket friendly.
 
Just picked up a Boker Barlow, carbon steel, great F&S, good snap,Tree Brand Solingen.... $30.

USA!!!! ... or Germany
 
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davek14 said:
Just picked up a Boker Barlow, carbon steel, great F&S, good snap,Tree Brand Solingen.... $30.

USA!!!! ... or Germany
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Bokers are great never a disappoint, I think they have the best value, for what they charge you get a excellent quality knife with great fit and finish and great carbon steel, their steel sharpens up smooth very fine carbides.
 
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