Like finding an old friend...

[FreeMe]

Back in the '70's when I was in high school, I bought the first knife that wasn't gifted to me. I had recently lost my first Barlow (which I don't recall the brand of), so I went on a search for another. Fella at a local outdoor goods store showed me this Queen Barlow that struck me at the time as being something special. It had sawcut delrin scales and some kind of apparently stainless blades, and was lighter in weight than my previous knife. It was a joy to use and carry for the few years I had it - but then in my early twenties, it was stolen. I never replaced it, and moved on to other knife patterns ....

Recently, I got to thinking about what a great knife that was - and missing it. Got to looking around online and soon recognized examples of the same exact knife - even saw a couple go by on fleabay, for higher prices than I expected. Then one day, I was at a local antique shop when I spotted one in a display of vintage knives. The condition was good and the price was right - righter than anything I saw online. So I made it mine (for a few dollars less than they were asking ).

It's a #22. One-piece aluminum bolster & frame....

I'm curious if this design is unique, and if so - why doesn't Queen produce this now? Seems like it would be easier now with CNC machines and all. I sure like it's light weight. Anybody know what steel they used in the blades?

 

[puukkoman]

Yes, it is unique. That design has been discussed here a few times as well, since it's so unusual.
Matter of fact, I remember just seeing a couple of those on fleabay within the past couple days, thought about picking one up but didn't yet...
Nice score. I'd like to try one out some time.
I think they're out of production due to manufacturing costs/profit margins/existing tooling, etc.

Welcome to the Traditional forum!

 

[FreeMe]

Thanks, Puukkoman. There have been a few examples of the "one arm man" version (#23, IIRC) on fleabay for quite a while now. I passed on them because I was looking for the exact version I had. Saw one pristine example get away from me a while ago there too.

The one I have now didn't seem to to have ever been sharpened. The Clip blade was in need of sharpening, but the spay was still factory sharp. This one walks & talks, and you can still see the etching on the clip blade - barely. It's not a particularly robust knife, but it's sweet. I'm humoring myself in thinking this possibly could be the very knife that was stolen from me.