How Do Charlows and the Northfield 77 Barlows Compare?

I have never had a Charlow ( I am on a mission to work on that), but will say that the steel bolsters aging with the knife sounds very appealing to me. I do have the #77 SFO and I have handled the #15 boy's knife, as far as size goes I can use either or. I feel that when I think barlow, I think it should be a smaller chunkier knife then both the #77 and #15 just like the new Queen Barlows in walnut are.

That being said there was a thread where someone did a brush finish on a #77 two-bladed model and I will say that it looks pretty cool to me. The thread was called: Yay or nay? Refinished bolsters on NF #77 barlow
 
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I don't know how to exactly define "soul" there is a Meriam Webster definition but I feel it's a very personal thing. But (if) knives have a soul? I give the nod to most if not all Traditionals and not so much in regards to modern flip/lock one handers.

Soul (to me) may better be defined as "nostalgic" for a knife or "historic" and again (to me) I find this in both Charlie and Mikes creations:thumbup:

There are obvious differences in regards to each, but certainly both have that nostalgic/historic or "Soul" feel to me:cool:
 
Primble said:
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Primble...amazing pictures as I always! Question: On these particular Charlows, did you give them a special treatment to make them opaque? Or is it the lighting? Just a beautiful pair of knives!
 
Pokerface said:
Primble...amazing pictures as I always! Question: On these particular Charlows, did you give them a special treatment to make them opaque? Or is it the lighting? Just a beautiful pair of knives!
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Thank you for the comments Armando. The Antique Yellow blade etch was gone when I purchased it from Paul. I satin finished the bolster and followed with 0000 steel wool to get more of a low luster finish, followed by a forced patina on the blades, which I use often. I liked it so well that I decided to do the same to my Antique Amber TC. I tend to carry them more now, since I no longer worry about messing up the blade etches. ;):)

If you ever want to try it on a knife, send me a PM and I will forward more precise instructions, which I have shared with other inquiring members. ;)
 
Simply put...

One was a labor of love.

No disrespect to anyone providing something consumers want,but there is a difference.
 
Guys, I already clearly stated my argument, and apologized for any seemingly harsh statements I previously made. If you disagree with what I have to say, I am more than happy to debate facts or opinions on the matter at hand, but I will not entertain any further attempts to challenge my honor, originality, or integrity, in this thread.
 
The real shame is how this thread in any way shape or form called into question the intent of either Charlie or Mike. These two guys are class acts and I for one appreciate both their offerings.

To bad the discussion wasn't kept to the knives themselves:rolleyes:
 
All I know is I need (not want...need) one of these with the wharncliffe secondary blade. I really don't know how I missed that one. I need to spend more time looking around in here as clearly I missed the point in time where a timeless pattern was made....better.
 
I'm still one of the newer members here so my collection isn't that extensive - I haven't been able to get a hold of a TC barlow yet, but I do have four of the 77's and like them all very much. Both versions appear to be very nice and I salute everyone involved in their design and production. I don't necessarily think that one is any better than the other, but I do know that whichever version is the next to be ran in a single spey or clip/spey setup is the one I'll be getting...hopefully.
 
Primble said:
Can we move on without any digs at our honorable members, please !? :)
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Well put, sir.


If there are any further digs, I will remind the digger to stop digging by awarding an infraction.
 
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Primble said:
I was not going to comment on this thread because it is somewhat controversial to begin with. I want to convey that Evan is not a desecrator of Charlows, however, might be fairly seen as the supreme "customer" of Crown Lifters. ;):D:D:D Evan is a passionate collector of TC Barlows. He is also a good guy and has shared his knowledge and passion with all of us. He has also apologized to everyone for "going over the top."

Well - he has modified a very few TC Barlows to Beerlows, to be fair. :D

I admire Charlie and Mike's efforts to bring us some very desirable knives. The TC Barlow and Northfield are different enough to both belong, in my opinion. Apparently, GEC feels the same way. ;)

Can we move on without any digs at our honorable members, please !? :)

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Those patinas are amazing!
 
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I haven't been this thrilled with a knife in...? Gosh I don't even know! I can only say I haven't let it out of arm's reach in a month now. It's completely taken over as my #1 EDC and there's no end in sight.

I'd been wanting a long-pull sheepfoot Barlow for a LONG TIME. I'd also been hoping for a Northfield Barlow as I can't help but love nickel-silver bolsters. This #77 is perfection. Mike hit it right out of the ballpark with this.

As to this discussion, I can't adequately express my gratitude to both Mike and Charlie for what they have contributed to the world of traditional pocket knives and to this forum.

I must say my fascination with Barlows has never faded and it's such a pleasure to carry and own the fine pieces that GEC has given us.
 
I've two Tom's Choice, one I bought and one I was very grateful to win. Both singles which is my preference for this one.:thumbup:

I'd very much like to have a single 77 to compare it with, I say compare but both have their distinct profile and aura so it is like comparing a CASE Stockman with a Böker: different but both appealing. Getting hold of a 77 is the main problem....:rolleyes:
 
I am praying that the positive response will encourage both Charlie and Mike to do more Barlows soon. :-D
 
:thumbup: ^what he said^ :thumbup:

GEC should (and may have to) add a wing just for barlows! :D
 
I have both style GEC barlows and love both of them. My preference is to carry the 77; as with most things I like bigger stuff. My coats are oversized and I'm oversized. I'd love to see a Granddaddy Barlow from GEC, but that's just me. I know the 77 isn't "traditional", but to my mind it's based on a traditional pattern and modernized. That's pretty much what an artist does, learn from the past and make adjustments based on current times. I wish both Charlie and Mike continued success with both models! Now, a Charlow and Marlow with primitive bone please!!

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I have to say I'm very pleased with my 77 sheepfoot in tan saw cut. I have not been able to get my hands on the other Barlow mentioned in this thread due to the high demand and staggering mark up in the resale market. I do like the nickel bolsters and the size of the knife fits well in my hand and pocket also didn't break the bank. Both designers have done a great job turning their inspiration for older patterns into modern day masterpieces. We are lucky to be living in the golden age of cutlery where great men can turn their passion into something enjoyed by so many. Thank you Mike and I hope to one day thank you Charlie.
 
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