Madison Barlow.....questions

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d.weglarz13

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Jun 4, 2008
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Okay guys, as most of you know I have been trying to locate a green micarta GEC bullnose, and a Charlow. But, thanks to you guys, I have now been looking at the Madison Barlow, in bone.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this knife. Could this be a great "best of both worlds" thing with the Madison? If the Madison is not as "traditional" as the others like the sodbusters and barlows, then that would have a lot to do with my decision. It does look to be a strong knife though also.

I am really loving the look of it though, its just beautiful, but does have a type of "sodbuster style" blade profile from what it looks like, so I am trying to decide if thats potentially a great thing or a bad thing. If for whatever reason the Madison is not a good idea for me, I would love to hear it, and will then stay with the Barlow and Bullnose for my edc knives.

The Madison also seems to be a good deal larger than the other two, so again any opinions/suggestions are very welcomed. I also will be carrying my Sebenza some days, so this will also be a backup blade most days. So, if you guys think this knife is too large for edc of a second knife, I would also like to hear. Thanks guys again for trying to help me find my perfect traditional EDC.

Now have a heart and stop me from buying all three!!!

dave
 
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I think they are good looking knives. I've about sworn off such big folders though. I've gotten to think that if I need a knife that big, I need a fixed blade.
 
Agree with everything Hawk45 said. Made by GEC - so you know it's a good knife. Can't compare it to a Charlow, as it's far larger. Mine is a member of the regular rotation.

 
It is substantially larger, but it is not less comfortable to carry. The thin knife with the smooth edges makes for a very pocketable knife.
 
The Madison is a great knife. The length is the same as the GEC #42 which you can buy as a one of two blade version. I have the two blade. It is heavy but not too heavy (like the #23) in the pocket and works really well with the KSF large pocket sleeve or slip. I like a fairly large pocket knife and I am not particularly enamored with clips. I carry a 2-blade #42 in a sleeve and it works for me. Now the Madsion....

The Madison is like a streamlined #23. It is a beautiful knife. It has rounded edges versus the #23 has some sharper edges, and since it is a single blade it is very thin. It rides in the pocket very easily. But it is still a larger slip joint any way you want to slice it. You see my other regular EDC is a Vic 111 mm SAK which is a two-layer which is pretty much the same size as the Madison and the #23 (lighter than the #23). I purchased two Madison's (ivory and jigged bone) which is essentially a first for me other than with SAKs where I keep spares. I'm no knife collector, but the Madison is a jewel. I am seriously considering buying a third now before they are gone. You don't know how unusual this is for me.

If you decide to get one, get a leather pocket sleeve too.
 
Which sleeve would you recommend? I would prefer something tight and small as opposed to a sleeve that takes up space in the pocket. Thanks again, I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on one.

I was just kind of wondering just if it is a bit large for a traditional edc.....I do like the size of my 93mm Saks though, and wasn't really planning on a larger knife than that. But I agree, this one looks so nice, and its really calling my name for some reason with the camel bone personally.

dave
 
Large KSF leather pocket sleeve. There is another thread on the belt pouches if you are more inclined that way. Added: The Madison is sent to you in a thin leather pocket pouch which you could use. Just not as convenient as the sleeve, but you could cut the flap off.

When I purchased a #23 (yes larger than the #42), I had KSF slide one inside their sleeve to make sure it would fit. It is pretty thick leather, so it will take up some room in your pocket. Works nicely in a back pocket and protects the knife. I keep keys in the same pocket as my knives usually (right front) and the slip protects the knives. My SAK (111 mm) which is there and is really scratched up. But then I don't really care. I do break them from time to time usually trying to unscrew a phillips or flat head screw that I really shouldn't even try. That happened yesterday, but I gave up before breaking the flat head screw. Should have had my electric drill along....

Everyone is different and you will see most slip joints in the <4" size. I like the larger Trappers which are usually 4 1/8" and basically settled on my comfort zone (hand size) of 4-4.25" as my preferred size. But everyone is different. I do know that the Big Daddy Barlow made by Remington is way too large for me. Have one of those and was not terribly impressed.

I am not trying to convince you to buy the Madison. It is fairly expensive. I am only giving you my impressions with mine. The ivory ones are gorgeous.
 
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The mainstreet pocketslip fits the knife beautifully and feels like less of a mass in the pocket than the large pocketslip. It is thinner, and just disappears in my pocket.
 
22-rimfire said:
Large KSF leather pocket sleeve. There is another thread on the belt pouches if you are more inclined that way. Added: The Madison is sent to you in a thin leather pocket pouch which you could use. Just not as convenient as the sleeve, but you could cut the flap off.
Click to expand...

What thread is this please? I think I would prefer something custom fit. Thanks guys
 
Hey guys, Just ordered the Northwoods Madison Barlow in camel bone! I can't wait to get it.

One more question. Could you tell me if this Northwoods company is a GEC branch? If not, could you tell me perhaps about the fit/finish and quality of Northwoods as opposed to Gec/Northfield quality? Im still a bit confused if they are one and the same, or not.

Thanks again guys for all your help. I will be counting the days till I get her! I know, a bit weird for a first traditional knife(well, other than my SAKs), but this one really called to me. Any more info about this is appreciated.

I also ask because in the first post of the Madison Barlow thread, it says something about this being part of GEC. Thanks again

dave
 
KSF essentially owns the Northwoods brand. The knives are made by either Queen or GEC. Basically, Derrick is THE MAN. He commissioned the knife to be manufactured to his specifications by GEC. You could too for that matter. The TC Barlow knives were made by GEC, but were made specifically for one of the members here (Waynorth).

I am no expert, but my impression is that the fit and finish is better on the Northwoods knives made by GEC than their regular production. I have read comments of such. Derrick would know better.
 
Okay, very interesting. Thanks for that info. Hopefully Derrick will chime in. I am very happy I finally came to a darn decision. I think this knife will be used a LOT. will post pics when I get her!

now just gotta see about a nice custom fit sheath for this bad boy
dave
 
I own a Madison Barlow in Mammoth Ivory and it's a gorgeous knife, Derrick and GEC really knocked it out of the park. That said, it's a bit larger than the Charlow and Bullnose. If you are already carrying a Sebbie, this seems a bit big to carry with it and I feel that you're better off sticking to a small slip joint to compliment the larger modern blade. I haven't carried mine yet since I always carry a Hinderer and figure I might as well carry a smaller slip, like one of my Soddies. Now there will be days I will leave the larger modern at home and I dress up ,that will be a day I carry this beauty. Just food for thought and my opinion. There is always the GEC 73 that is dressed up and a good carry size to ponder as well.

Also, Derrick is correct in saying that due to it's thin profile, it carries easy int he pocket.

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Just put in my order for a Madison. I haven't been so excited about a knife in a long while.
 
Okay, also picked up a Green Micarta Bullnose!!! I know, I'm a real sicko when it comes to buying knives on very limited funds...
 
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