Noobie in Need of Help

Beekman

Beekman

Joined
Feb 21, 2014
Messages
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Hey gang. I'm relatively new to the world of traditional knives and I am already hooked! I've been pouring over this forum and soaking up as much information as I can but I did have a question. I've been looking at some GEC knives and I'm trying to decide between a #73 and a #15 Barlow. Now, to my untrained eye the main different I see in these two patterns is the handle shape/bolster size; both versions I am looking at have a spey blade and then either a spear or a clip as the second blade.

Am I missing something? Are there differences in terms of pull strength? Walk and talk? Do I just buy both? Any wisdom you can all impart is greatly appreciated.
 
A quarter inch doesn't seem like much, but the #73 is a much larger knife than the #15. Pull strength on most #73s is also firmer than the #15s.
Buying both is certainly an option, especially since they both come in a variety of blade choices. Here are two of mine for comparison.

73v15_zps0f29ed50.jpg~original
 
black mamba said:
A quarter inch doesn't seem like much, but the #73 is a much larger knife than the #15. Pull strength on most #73s is also firmer than the #15s.
Buying both is certainly an option, especially since they both come in a variety of blade choices. Here are two of mine for comparison.

73v15_zps0f29ed50.jpg~original
Click to expand...

Thanks you so much, this is exactly what I was looking for. How firm would you say the #73 is? I have a viper and that's about as firm as I would ever want.
 
Man, those 73s (in my experience) are a conundrum. I have three from 2007 that have a really nice pull. A 6 on a scale of 10. But, I have a 2011 model 73 that is a definite 8 on a scale of 10. But the value they offer, in terms of materials and build quality, is hard to beat in today's market.

Tangent: I find pull strength to be something to changes as you start to carry slipjoints. When I first got back into traditional slipjoints I found the 73s to have a really, really strong pull. But as I've transitioned to carrying nothing but slipjoints, I've found their pull has weakened. Now, I'm not sure if it's because I've opened and closed them more, but I think it's also the case of just getting use to the stronger springs and maybe, just maybe, a tougher nail.

The 15s are a lot smaller in comparison. And their pull is something more akin to a SAK. If you compare a single bladed 15 to a 73 Scout (two bladed) it's like night and day. The 15 will disappear in your pocket, where the 73 Scout will let you know it's there.

But, in conclusion, I would buy both. The 15 is a great knife and the 73 is one of GEC's masterpieces.
 
2014-03-05095239_zps582f5c86.jpg

You'll probably be needing a 72 as well.
The red and the ebony are 72s -easy and smooth because IMO they are lockbacks & have no halfstop.They glide open and lock into place very smoothly.No where near the pull of the halfstops on the yellow and grizzly 73s which are maybe equal to my Tidioute 47 Viper certainly no stronger.
I guess they have to be a bit snappier if they don't lock.
Neither of those lockbacks have any play either.The 15 and the Charlows are not as strong as the 47 but still firm and solid in the halfstop and open position.
There is a noticeable size difference as you can see but that doesn't affect me because I don't carry them in my pockets.Usually in the bumbag in a beltpouch or on the belt. I am constantly afflicted by pocket grit which gets in the knife and I really hate that.
hope that helps a bit
cheers.
 
Both is great if it fits your budget. The 15 is a great all-around pocket knife at 3.5" but that depends on your needs and what you do with a pocket knife. I love my Barlow/Charlow and it's not been out of my reach since I received it in early December.

#15 TC Barlow in African Blackwood single spey blade...
 
From what I've heard (I don't own a Viper) the #73s and the Viper have similar pulls, but the range can be from a 6 to an 8, if the #15s are a 5-6. All the stout sprung (8+) GECs I've owned could be softened by leaving them 2/3 to 3/4 open, stressing the spring it's greatest. Leave them open like that for 3-4 days, then mineral oil the joint and work them open and closed (holding the blade with a many-times folded cloth to protect your fingers) about 50 times. If you still want the pulls softer, then repeat a few times. This always reduced them for me about 1 - 1.5 points on the pull scale.
 
So it sounds like there are some definite differences leading me to think I might as well get both. Thanks for all the insights, I appreciate it (even if my wallet doesn't).
 
I thought I would post a little follow up. I went ahead and bought both knives and you guys were right, they are really different. The 73 feels significantly bigger and is definitely heftier than the barlow. Maybe it's just the one I got, but the pull on the 73 is definitely not as strong as my viper, for which I am glad. That said, the barlow has significantly less pull (like you guys said) and seems to be a bit smoother as well.

Both are beautiful and I'm really happy to have picked them both up; big thanks to the guys that responded here.
 
Beekman said:
I went ahead and bought both
Click to expand...

Congratulations! I hope you post a picture of them. And, if anyone has the ability to weigh a knife, I suggest you post the weight of the 73.

Ive weighed several Charlows, they vary based on whether they have one or two blades, and whether they have bone handles or wood. My heaviest Charlow weighs 80 grams, bone handle, two blades (though you cant see the pen, because it is behind this Spear main):
IMG_9592.JPG


also, when comparing knives lengths, I recommend including the full open length in the comparison, as both the handle and the blade add to the overall size. For example, since the the 73 handle is 1/4" longer, open is possibly half an inch longer overall, than a 15 open. I dont have a 73, so I leave it to others to provide lengths of both, if so inclined.
 
Thanks for posting the pics of your knives, They are awesome. I ordered a Viper, an easy open Boys Knife and a Charlow and can't wait to get them this week. I am really drawn to the Charlow which reminds me of my Russell Barlow from circa 1915.
I have a question about the steel liners in most #15's as compared to brass liners. Is there a downside to the steel liners friction wise?
Thank you in advance.

Mark
 
As requested, here is a comparison shot of the new 15 and 73:

13094523583_5d950aa44d_c.jpg


In terms of weight the 15 is 60 grams and the 73 is 101 grams; so that's a big difference!

Thanks again for the help gang.
 
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