Lets talk GEC!

[5K Qs]

Nice collection of sleeveboard barlows. I believe Robeson made some as well.

They are sort of like sleeveboards, but a TRUE sleeveboard should have a defining taper to the handle pattern!! More evidence that pattern definitions get torqued around!!! Ha Ha!!

If it's not equal end and it's not sleeveboard then what is it? Much like the length of the bolster of a barlow is not defined the taper of a sleeveboard is also not defined. It certainly leaves alot of room for the cutler to work their craft.

Or their terminology!!

According to Levine, a “regular jack" (see p. 177 ).

Regular Jacks have squared corners at the blade end. (See p. 179 )

So there is no term for those knives?

It's a hybrid

"They're only words,
and words are all I have
to take your heart away."

- GT

 

[Will Power]

Here's a sleeveboard




As can be seen, a pronounced taper...for ironing sleeves...whence the pattern got its name. Can't think it's a pedantic question of somebody measuring the taper for definition purposes It's an obvious visual feature . Similarly, the Barlow pattern is known for having an obviously larger single bolster than other Jack knives, but I doubt if somebody measured the bolster and set an industry standard .... Most people would know what a croissant looks like and if somebody baked a straight one it would likey get ignored or be pain au chocolat-equally delicious, but not a croissant.

This is also a Sleeveboard and a rather good one .

 

[Viper84]

You can’t spell Levine without LIE. I’ll trust what GEC is naming their knives. Thank you.

 

[JW225]

Regular Jacks have squared corners at the blade end. (See p. 179 )

If only I had turned the page! . Excellent point — thanks.

 

[GTShooter]

Regular Jacks have squared corners at the blade end. (See p. 179 )

What publication are y'all referring to?

 

[r8shell]

This is a long bolstered Jumbo Jack, but I might start calling it an Ironing-Board Barlow.

 

[Jiki]

What publication are y'all referring to?

Levine's 4th ed

 

[Jiki]

This is a long bolstered Jumbo Jack, but I might start calling it an Ironing-Board Barlow.

Levine has the Jumbos in with the sleeveboards.

 

[r8shell]

Levine has the Jumbos in with the sleeveboards.

Interesting. I didn't know that. It's too big for sleeves, though. It's the whole board.

 

[calm]

How valid is the Guide to knives, for knives produced outside the US (Uk, Germany, Italy, France, Japan etc.) or for knives produced after 2001 (when a lot of companies started major traditional production - GEC for example, and various Italians)

Is there a new edition coming out soon?

I do not have the book and I am thinking about getting one.

 

[Jiki]

How valid is the Guide to knives, for knives produced outside the US (Uk, Germany, Italy, France, Japan etc.) or for knives produced after 2001 (when a lot of companies started major traditional production - GEC for example, and various Italians)

Is there a new edition coming out soon?

I do not have the book and I am thinking about getting one.

The pricing aspect of the book became dated long ago. It's a reference tool now for the history and terminology of knives. They published a 5th edition however I have been told that it is just the 4th edition reorganized. There will be no more from Levine.

 

[Alex.Y.]

They published a 5th edition however I have been told that it is just the 4th edition reorganized.

Even without author's approval. Levine says that on his website as well. 4th edition is the last legit one.

Regarding validity, well, it is a great historical book which contains, besides many other useful things, facts about what pocketknife patterns were called back then, generally and specifically by the manufacturers. It is not a law nor a prescription for anyone how to name their product, of course not. Moreover, the Guide contains examples when manufacturer calls their pattern differently than it "should" be classified by traditional means. A respectable manufacturer might want to refer to mentioned or similar book from time to time to avoid possible embarrassment (and nay, I don't mean anyone in particular here), but at the end of the day it is their right how to call their product, and our right is to respectfully disagree.

if somebody baked a straight one it would likey get ignored or be pain au chocolat-equally delicious, but not a croissant.

I just realized that I've actually seen many straight croissants and nobody around said there's anything wrong with them.

 

[Will Power]

BINO Barlow In Name Only
SINO Sleeveboard In Name Only...no wait a minute, that doesn't work as it means Chinese...

 

[Will Power]

I like this Wharncliffe master and the croissant beside it is certainly not straight....

 

[Goose 7279]

I believe that it is a Jack knife not a barlow the bolsters do not meet the standard IMO a few companies have got really liberal with the term barlow. I also didn't feel like the Big bay knife Northwoods put out was a true barlow but alot closer than these.

 

[5K Qs]

This is a long bolstered Jumbo Jack, but I might start calling it an Ironing-Board Barlow.

That is a catchy knife name for a cool knife!
I'd probably shorten it to IB^2 (Eye Bee Squared) for informal situations.

- GT

 

[Reconmarui]

Unfortunately this is not Burger King. We cannot have it our way. If it was I would say single clip please but hold the end cap .

Hmmm this is an interesting idea.

I could enjoy a world where GEC does preorders like Bark River....pick your handle material, configuration, bolster, etc....

Of course demand would be too high to fulfill all preorders within a reasonable time. We would be seeing maybe 4 patterns a year.

 

[dantzk8]

https://imgur.com/9LEwHIv

This talk makes me feel like a doubt.
Tell me, is this knife a Barlow ? I mean a true Barlow. Or a sleeveboard ?

Dan.

 

[waynorth]

https://imgur.com/9LEwHIv

This talk makes me feel like a doubt.
Tell me, is this knife a Barlow ? I mean a true Barlow. Or a sleeveboard ?

Dan.

A true Barlow, IMO!!!!

 

[dantzk8]

A true Barlow, IMO!!!!

Thanks Charlie, i feel better.

Dan.