My Grandfather's Barlow

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cal80

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Sep 23, 2013
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Just located my Grandfathers vintage Barlow. It has a sheepsfoot blade. I don't have it in my possession yet, but I'm planning to restore it a little. Does anybody know how to date these? I would also love to see pics of some others. Thanks. uploadfromtaptalk1437933343815.jpguploadfromtaptalk1437933365052.jpguploadfromtaptalk1437933381131.jpg
 
Very cool! Please tell us a bit about your grandfather. What did he do for a living? Where did he live? That knife surely would have a bunch of great tales to tell.

-- Mark
 
Thanks. He lived in Pittsburgh and worked in the steel mill for his entire career. He lived in the country on several acres with his 6 children and had a huge garden about the size of a football field. I remember him always sitting on his porch swing after a long day just looking out at the field while sipping on a Michelob.
 
Pretty trendy beer in its day.
Do you know the maker of the Barlow? Looks like a nice one.
 
I'm not sure of the make yet. Once I get it from my Dad, I'm going to clean it up and hopefully there's some markings on the blades. I would love to get it in good condition and just start carrying it. The blades don't look like they have been sharpened too badly and I'm anxious to get a good edge on them. I'm curious what some are using here on the forum to restore them and remove the rust. My initial thought would be to use some break free with some steel wool. Any thoughts out there?
 
My grandpa (maternal) was a steel worker from Vandergrift, PA, 30 miles NE of Pitt. I have some of his things, but not his pocket knife. Great keepsake brother; hopefully someone with more knowledge than me can help with the restoration. Post more pics!
 
Just oil the joints, clean out the blade slots and wipe the blades down with a soft cloth and mineral oil. No sanding, steel wooling:D

Great to have your Grand Fathers barlow.

Best regards

Robin
 
Thank you! So I got the knife in hand and the stamp on the tang reads. "Imperial Prov.R.I." USA. From what I've read in the following link, that dates this Barlow to 1916-1920. What do you guys think? Would you clean and carry or clean and keep it in a safe place?uploadfromtaptalk1438213691123.jpg
 
Also, thanks Piperman for the cleaning advice. I really appreciate it!
 
Oil the joints, clean the blade slots, put some oil on the springs and if it has wood handles put some linseed oil on those. Naval jelly if you want to really remove rust. It's non abrasive. Don't carry it, keep it in that condition! Imagine if your gran-kids got that knife!
 
Great that you got your grandfather's knife. I have one from both grandfather's (now deceased) and a Case from my Father-in-law who is 88 or so.
 
Thanks for the comments and advice. I really appreciate it. I've spent more money than I should have with this knife hobby and getting this knife feels way better than any of those purchases. No buyers remorse came with this guy. Part of me really wants to carry it, but losing it would be awful. Thanks
 
cal80 said:
Part of me really wants to carry it, but losing it would be awful. Thanks
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I'm lucky enough to have both of my grandpas knives and I know what you mean. I'm trying to find ones of the same models to actually carry because I know if I lost one I'd be sick.
 
I would carry it. Just think, eventualy someone is going to carry and use that knife, so shouldn't that person be you? Now with that said, it surely wouldn't be my evrey day knife. I would probabely save it for special ocassions.
What ever you decide that is one great knife!
 
I'm with Erik above. One day you might want to hand that knife on to your own grandkids, and it'll mean a lot more if it was also the knife they remember seeing THEIR grandfather with. Great story, and glad you found it, all my folk were involved in steel in one way or another :thumbup:
 
Very nice piece. I wish I could help you with your search for information.
 
cal80 said:
Thank you! So I got the knife in hand and the stamp on the tang reads. "Imperial Prov.R.I." USA. From what I've read in the following link, that dates this Barlow to 1916-1920. What do you guys think? Would you clean and carry or clean and keep it in a safe place?View attachment 565106
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I didn't see this "famous" Imperial tang stamp chart in the link you provided. If you haven't seen it before, you might find it interesting.http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/554106-Imperial-Tang-Stamp-Chart
Your photo of the tang stamp on your grandfather's Barlow wasn't clear enough for me to give an inexpert opinion.
I think it's incredible that you have this knife! I don't have an "heirloom" knife like that, so I'm not sure what I'd do regarding carry. I love the idea of having Grandpa's knife in my pocket, but I hate the idea of losing it, so I'd probably lean in the direction of Unclepapa's advice to look for a model like it that you can carry.

- GT
 
Thanks. Based on that tag stamp chart, the one I have is the bottom right. 1956-1988. Works for me. Thanks for the info. I'm going to carry it for a few days just to play with it and give it some use.
 
Speaking as one who lost my dad's knife, I would keep it in a safe place. I would have enjoyed giving it to my son.
 
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