Nail nicks in Barlow knives

[Nature Boy]

They have them on the same side because that's the traditional configuration, and I reckon those old cutlers could make them so that both nail nicks were accessible. Charlie @waynorth did an early run of TC Barlow's with the nick and pull on opposing sides though, and very kindly gifted me one. I'll try to remember to edit in a pic tomorrow

First time I’ve noticed that etch on a pick. Very cool!

 

[ErikMB]

You might try lowering the pen blade instead, by filing a little bit off the kick (If you can lower it and still access the nail nick).

Good idea but the pen blade just barely sticks up enough to get a nail in. If I were to lower it, it would be un-openable. This is true for all of them.

 

[Sventhelumberjack]

Good idea but the pen blade just barely sticks up enough to get a nail in. If I were to lower it, it would be un-openable. This is true for all of them.

Could you grind a bit of a swedge on the back side of the pen blade to give your nail a bit more access to the nick on the main?

 

[knowtracks]

The tang is soft, so open the blade you want to raise and lay it flat on an anvil or the edge of a vice where you have flat metal underneath. Take a flat nosed punch and place it on the kick and hit it with a hammer. What you are trying to do is elongate the kick so the blade sits higher. It will probably take a few whacks till you figure out how hard you have to hit it.

Dave

PS. Don't miss!

 

[Frank.K]

I bet you could have a custom built…?

Yes, some day

 

[ErikMB]

Sven & Dave, those are both great ideas! Thanks!

 

[Frank.K]

Stainless 15s that I flipped in photoshop one year as an April fools joke. They’re normal. Sorry for messing with you.

Haha, nice! I grew up using Opinels as long as I can remember so it’s what I’m used to. I do have a GEC 86 oilfield, and the little sheep foot blade has the nick opposite side.

 

[ErikMB]

I wonder if there are any Barlow kits out there. I'd love to build some.