How Do Charlows and the Northfield 77 Barlows Compare?

I love both the knives, but of the two I tend to have the 77 as a user, and the TC as a safe queen (don't want to mess up the blade etch).

So really, I guess I like the 77 more for use as a knife, and the TC as a knife to look at and hold and admire. Bottom line, I feel very fortunate to have both of theses very fine knives, and have the utmost respect for both Charlie and Mike for producing them for us.
 
I think they are both great in their own way for me. I personally prefer to carry/use my new 77 Sheepsfoot version & enjoy the TC more on a collectible basis. The nostalgia associated with all of the TC releases is just awesome & when I have one in hand to admire it reminds me a lot of the background behind the knife. On the other hand I find the 77 to be a very capable user knife that fits my EDC needs. Bravo to both Mike & Charlie for bringing these great pieces out.

 
I really like the Charlows, but they quickly became unobtainable without paying outlandish sums. I compare them to Rolex stainless steel Daytonas. All I can say is well done Charlie. You created a great knife with a cult following. I wish I could do that.

I never felt the tug to buy either a stainless Daytona or a Charlow. Don't get me wrong, I would buy either if it did not require dedication and a small fortune. The fact is that the Charlow is a great rendering of a traditional Barlow, but I can easily find traditional Barlows everywhere, and I do. I do not usually carry one, however, because I like a slightly bigger knife.

Now when the 77 came out I was intrigued. Wharncliffe is my favorite blade shape, and I am a sucker for nice stag. I just had to have it.
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The 77 is a great size, and is available in stag, and has a Wharncliffe blade. I love it!

I still want a Charlow, but will wait for the fervor to die down. Perhaps the fervor may never die down, and if it does not, I say well done Charlie. Perhaps I can ask you to set one aside for this old collector, as you have created the modern equivalent of the famous Russell Barlow, with a following the original only wished it had.
 
As others have rightly noted, BEAUTIFUL stag on these 77s. The figuring on some of these is amazing. Jaw-droppers for sure. Rock climbers would kill for holds like that! Nice work, Mike :)

I don't have a 77 but love my Day's Work Charlow. African blackwood in the clip + spey setup. This is the knife that made me learn to love a spey. I know the two-bladers didn't move as quickly as others, but my hat's off to Charlie for taking a risk on that particular model. Nice work, Charlie :)

I must say we are lucky to have both of these guys in our midst, burning the midnight oil to bring us such stunning knives. Not to mention the true craftsmen-and-women at Great Eastern. Bravo all around!

Alright...need some knife content. My Charlow. Or as he prefers to be called in Baja AZ, "Charlito".

 
I have 4 of the 77 Barlows and believe that each one has great F & F , walk & talk , and all that other good stuff that I expect to see in a very well made knife. I would like to have a TC Barlow and had a chance to get one on this last run , but I could not see spending another 30 % to 40 % more for a TC than I had to spend on the 77's . I did spend a fair amount of money for one of the Prototype 77's Smooth Autumn Golds, but it is special because of what it is and IMO worth the extra money . I have no doubt that the TC Barlow is a very nice knife , but as compared to the 77's for cost , that is your call to make. I am very happy that Charlie and Mike have resurrected the Barlow pattern that we are familiar with in the U.S.A. , which is differant than the old Sheffield version . I like both versions very much and would like to see GEC make a Barlow in the Sheffield version also. If they made a Saddlehorn and put a Long Bolster on it , they woud have it , But now I am getting away from the comparison of the TC and the 77 Barlow and I apologize for that.
 
Primble , I have seen a lot of your posted pictures , and I am impressed with your photo quality as much as with your knives and wit .Well done and keep them coming.
 
blademan 13 said:
Good Lord, beautiful stag!! Care to entertain us with a spine shot?
Click to expand...

Here is a spine shot for you. This one is definitely a fatboy.

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Here is the pile side. The stag on this side is just as gorgeous as the mark side, only more popcorn. Overall this is the nicest stag I have seen on a GEC knife, and that is saying a lot, since they have some of the best stag in the world.

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I have gotten some nice patina on the clip since I first got this. I use the clip only for food (like fresh fruit). The Wharncliffe is for everything else.
 
Much obliged, definitely on the chunky side but what you expect with that much figure. A little lumpy in pocket but nice in the hand I say.
 
Just a beautiful piece of stag! Mike, sourcing this stag and then GEC building, is a perfect match!
 
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