I've been wanting a quality barlow to carry for a while now and finally got it. Its a Boker redbone model and I'm pretty impressed so far. Fit and finish is good, not perfect, but more than acceptable for a knife that will be a user. The redbone scales are nicely done and match well, and it even has nice halfstops, which you don't always find on production SJ's these days. The blade grinds were a little thick at the edge, but I've thinned them out and its plenty sharp for now although I think I need to give the edges just a little more work. I was impatient to get the knife in my pocket. Speaking of pockets, it carries great, just the right size for edc. If anyone is looking for a good quality barlow that won't break the bank and you can be proud to carry, check out some Bokers.
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New Barlow
- Thread starter OTguy
- Start date
Great to see another barlow fan out there. I collect 'em, but don't use 'em for everyday carry because they're heavier than I like. I just happened to have just bought the same Boker redbone barlow model that you've got and agree it's a nice little knife. May give it and edc spin after I check it for weight and heft.
As for weight in barlow models, the Queens are the lightest I've found. If you like to rotate your edc knives and still want a quality barlow model you should definitely check out the Queen barlows. And, unlike the Bokers, they're made in the good ol' USA.
Happy barlowing!
Lanny
As for weight in barlow models, the Queens are the lightest I've found. If you like to rotate your edc knives and still want a quality barlow model you should definitely check out the Queen barlows. And, unlike the Bokers, they're made in the good ol' USA.
Happy barlowing!
Lanny
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- Mar 28, 2001
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Hey, there's more of us out here... 
Nothing quite like the feeling of a good Barlow. To me they ride perfectly in the pocket and feel great in the hand.
I've got several by Queen and a couple of Bokers, but recently just had Gary Crowder make this one for me and it's been one of my most frequent EDC's..
I had him run it extra beefy with 1/8" blade stock and high grinds, it's a wicked slicing little tank!
Nothing quite like the feeling of a good Barlow. To me they ride perfectly in the pocket and feel great in the hand.
I've got several by Queen and a couple of Bokers, but recently just had Gary Crowder make this one for me and it's been one of my most frequent EDC's..
I had him run it extra beefy with 1/8" blade stock and high grinds, it's a wicked slicing little tank!
...and that is one fine looker! I have always prefered a spear point on my Barlows, and the Wharncliff would be a close second - so your knife has me drooling.
Can you hint at the ballpark something like that is in $$ ? And does Gary Crowder have a web page?
Regards,
Jeremy
Can you hint at the ballpark something like that is in $$ ? And does Gary Crowder have a web page?
Regards,
Jeremy
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- Mar 28, 2001
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Jerok, no problem - I'm always happy to talk up Gary's work because I feel he is the best "unkown" making slips right now.
Here is a link to more details on this knife.
His email address is garysue@cwis.net
phone: 918-775-5730
He does not have a web page.
Gary's work is extremely tight and his turn around on most orders is about 6 weeks, and he actually meets or beats those time frames.
As far as bang for the buck, he made this knife to my specs, out of more beefy materials, fully file worked for $275 shipped.
No spaces in the back spring, seamless bolster to scale transitions, springs lay flat open closed and at the 1/2 stop, filework aligned perfectly. Gary can do a flush pivot pin or a domed one, I happen to like the domed one on his knives so I always request that.
Here is a link to more details on this knife.
His email address is garysue@cwis.net
phone: 918-775-5730
He does not have a web page.
Gary's work is extremely tight and his turn around on most orders is about 6 weeks, and he actually meets or beats those time frames.
As far as bang for the buck, he made this knife to my specs, out of more beefy materials, fully file worked for $275 shipped.
No spaces in the back spring, seamless bolster to scale transitions, springs lay flat open closed and at the 1/2 stop, filework aligned perfectly. Gary can do a flush pivot pin or a domed one, I happen to like the domed one on his knives so I always request that.
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tHATS ONE NICE LOCKING KNIFE. And it looks to be built like a hard user. That is not alvays the case with a custom. If it was possible to get a knife like that in Sweden and at that prise!!! It would be mine.
I wouldn't call Gary Crowder unknown. He's been around for more than a few years, at least 10 if my memory serves me. He's been a regular at shows in the midwest. I have one of his medium two blade trappers in picked bone, ATS34 and nickel silver. Got it for $~250 last year. One thing I like is his knives are sole authorship including the heat treat and tempering for blades and springes. His knives are good value. I use mine regularly with one of the WH pocket sheaths to keep it from getting scratched.
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brownshoe said:
That's why I used " ", he's relatively unknown on the forums and gets too little mention. IMO he's right up there with Ray Cover (who gets a lot of well deserved press here) in the quality/value department, and Gary tends to offer more for the money than Ray.
Him doing sole authorship and primarily show business is one of the reason he has such great turn around time on orders.
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I'm sorry cpirtle, but I have to disagree with that statement, and I've owned Gary's knives and I like him--he's a great guy, and I have recommened his work before...And I'd buy his work again. Having said that, there is no comparison between a Gary Crowder knife and a Ray Cover knife. I think it would be distasteful of me to list out the reasons I am of this opinion, but if anyone wants to know they can email me. I've seen this comment on here before and this time I thought I'd add my two cents. Again, Gary's work is good, but it doesn't compare favorably to that of Ray Cover in my opinion.
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I currently have equal amounts of Crowders and Covers in my collection (4 each), and on a point by point comparison of my pieces I can find almost an equal amount of flaws, Ray is just in front of Gary in the fit and finish department.
From a value standpoint it's hardly arguable that Gary charges $275 for a 2 blade slip fully file worked, and Ray charges about the same price for a single blade w/o filework. Also, Gary's prices do not generally increase in proportion to the size of the knife, Ray's prices do. So I think you're reading more into my "more for the money comment" than you should be.
I also consider turn around time on orders as part of my assesment, maybe I shouldn't. Gary is ~6 weeks, Ray is a year or more.
I have great respect for both men, own several knives from each, and in any given week carry a knife from each 2-3 times. Hardly a knock on Ray's work.
People tend to think Ray is the leader in low priced, high end slip joints, I just don't agree 100% with that sentiment.
All I'm trying to do is bring people's attention to a maker who does not get much attention on the forums by comparing him to another highly respected maker. I see no problem with that and have never been afraid to discuss the differences in their work with people who have asked me.
From a value standpoint it's hardly arguable that Gary charges $275 for a 2 blade slip fully file worked, and Ray charges about the same price for a single blade w/o filework. Also, Gary's prices do not generally increase in proportion to the size of the knife, Ray's prices do. So I think you're reading more into my "more for the money comment" than you should be.
I also consider turn around time on orders as part of my assesment, maybe I shouldn't. Gary is ~6 weeks, Ray is a year or more.
I have great respect for both men, own several knives from each, and in any given week carry a knife from each 2-3 times. Hardly a knock on Ray's work.
People tend to think Ray is the leader in low priced, high end slip joints, I just don't agree 100% with that sentiment.
All I'm trying to do is bring people's attention to a maker who does not get much attention on the forums by comparing him to another highly respected maker. I see no problem with that and have never been afraid to discuss the differences in their work with people who have asked me.
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cpirtle,
Just wanted to let you know that I had a dream last night about the Crowder barlow you posted. Oh great, now I'm dreaming about knives. I guess I should probably drop Gary an e-mail and make the dream come true. Would you mind if I stole your specs and ask for one just like it?
Just wanted to let you know that I had a dream last night about the Crowder barlow you posted. Oh great, now I'm dreaming about knives. I guess I should probably drop Gary an e-mail and make the dream come true. Would you mind if I stole your specs and ask for one just like it?
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Thomason, you're sick man. (although I have to admit to doing the same thing 
)
I'd love to see a few more of these floating around. Just tell Gary you saw mine (Chad Pirtle) and want one like it. He should have the spec's since it's only been a month or so if not let me know and I'll email the originals I used to him.
Let us know when you get it!
)I'd love to see a few more of these floating around. Just tell Gary you saw mine (Chad Pirtle) and want one like it. He should have the spec's since it's only been a month or so if not let me know and I'll email the originals I used to him.
Let us know when you get it!
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- May 4, 2001
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A Barlow is my favorite slipjoint pattern.
I have a Boker that is a little rough around the edges, but is ok for a user..
I have been carrying a Shrade 206 barlow, with fancy bolsters and imitation bone handle...I think they called it "Grandad's Barlow" or something like that....
I have a Case Barlow that needs work.....but it has smooth pink bone scales....gotta love that.
I have a Boker that is a little rough around the edges, but is ok for a user..
I have been carrying a Shrade 206 barlow, with fancy bolsters and imitation bone handle...I think they called it "Grandad's Barlow" or something like that....
I have a Case Barlow that needs work.....but it has smooth pink bone scales....gotta love that.