Knife of the week01-27...Barlow

I am no knife historian so cannot add any lore to the thread...but I do have a single blade Barlow that I like very much (Robeson ShurEdge w/strawberry bone scales)
 
Originally posted by mckgreg
The Razor is also termed the "one armed mans" knife. The blade is shaped so that you can open the knife with one hand using the edge of your belt or a similar object.
Greg
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Was this one of the original onehanders? ;)


Dean
 
I started collecting Barlows a few years ago. I love their simple, useful design and the history as the first folder of the regular guy or a boy's first knife.

Greg's post referred to the first serious collector's club that was started in the 1950's by a columnist for the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper named Allen Trout. According to Ritchie and Stewart's Standard Knife Collector's Guide, 4th edition, , Trout, "...became the recognized 'Dean' of serious knife collecting." Trout's column, "...stirred wide interest in collecting pocketknives and knife trading by organizing the "'Barlow Bearcats.' There were no dues and the group was open to all who could produce proof that they owned a Russell Barlow."

I'm still looking get my first 'real' original John H. Russell Barlow, but I'm really enjoying collecting all the various brands and versions that followed.

I truly hope this forum keeps an active Barlow posting section alive. I know there are LOTS of Barlow lovers, collectors and users out there and I'd sure like to learn more about this classic style knife.

Lanny
 
Those would be modern copies. I know where I can find an original Russell daddy Barlow for under $100, but the true originals are rare. Methinks it'll be mine next trip down home. :D It'll be about $90, but who cares?
 
Thanks much Phil. I have seen those and own a couple of the modern copies as Sword and Shield puts it. I too am looking for an 'original' and if 'S & S' has one spotted for under $100 that's a deal if it's in any decent shape. If there's more than one when you get there PUH-LEEZE lemme know.

You guys are the greatest for helpful info.

LANNY
 
Lanny, you're welcome.
Of course it woulld be nice to find some older Russell's, but don't let S&S's comment about modern copies be a put down of these knives. It's still the same John Russell Co. of Green River Works and I still think they make the nicest Barlows that I've handled.
 
lanny said:
Thanks much Phil. I have seen those and own a couple of the modern copies as Sword and Shield puts it. I too am looking for an 'original' and if 'S & S' has one spotted for under $100 that's a deal if it's in any decent shape. If there's more than one when you get there PUH-LEEZE lemme know.

You guys are the greatest for helpful info.

LANNY
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How far are you willing to go? The one I saw was in an antique mall in deep Southern Ohio. If it's still there, it's mine. If, by some freak of nature, there are two, we might work something out. :) The case had some older Cases and the like in it as well, in addition to an early Green River skinner. Maybe the guy will have stocked in another. I'll probably be going down there sometime late this month, so I'll take a look.
 
Thanks for the info and the possibility of hope S and S.

Please let me know if you're Ohio dealer does have additional Russells or even other brand Barlows.

Much and truly appreciated.

LANNY
 
A few weeks ago, while searching for Barlows, I came across this story. Not sure if you guys have seen it before. Unfortunately, the links to the pictures are busted, but the text is still there. I like this quote from a letter by George Washington, to a storekeeper. Maybe I'll make this my new signature:

"Dear Sir; I have lost and cannot tell how an old favourite penknife and am much distressed for want of one -- If you have any in your store please to send me one -- If you would be so good as to get me one immediately -- Perhaps you could furnish me with a knife with two blades. I should prefer this where choice can be had. Yr Most Obed, G. Washington."
 
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