Northwoods Knives: Everyday Barlow ... Opinions?

Hi guys, I ordered a spear sawcut EB from KSF and had it sent directly to Rob Bixby for sharpening (TheApostleP on Youtube). He had a blue clip in for sharpening and did a video of both at the same time. I dont have it in hand yet but based on this, it looks like I might have lucked out. Thought you might enjoy a closeup look; I know I sure did:

[youtube]lXzYsrsdZoA[/youtube]
 
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One of the positives about mine is they're razor sharp and still are. Very sharp and my arm hair bares many shave patches showing others.

Like people say "buy the seller" and despite what Queen produced, Derrick is standing behind his product.

Honestly, I'm new to this, but I don't see the issues that some you are. I have my eyes wide open now; and I have y'all to thank for that.
 
To be totally honest, I would be a lot more tempted if they weren't made by Queen. I've heard far too many horror stories about Queen knives, from bad grinds to random backspring breakages to bad warranty service, to spend that kind of money on one. Not at this point. I've heard that the new owners are working to rectify the issues Queen has become notorious for, but until they've gotten a good track record (of good F&F or at least good service if warranty work is needed) I'm going to wait.

It's really a shame. I like several of their designs and I like the fact that they offer traditional patterns in non-traditional steels. However, for the moment, I'm OK with having 1095, 420HC or 440C from a maker that has a good track record. Subject to change, YMMV.
 
not having one i personally think they look great,and after watching the above video,they seem like real cutters. a lot of what people don't like about the knives makes them, again just my opinion,fwiw, idiosyncratic and desirable. no two hand made knives,generally speaking,and i'm sure folks can provide examples to the contrary, are exactly the same,nor should they be; just think you're getting something almost handmade in some qualities and a number of the perceived problems can be corrected, one way or another. mr. bohn states from the get go that these are meant to be edc workers and users-albeit at a higher price for the steel. i also hope the daniels family can right the ship at queen, after all tuna valley seems to be a highly regarded brand and it's all theirs. no offense is intended to any one who feels differently,this only my piddlin' two cents worth.:)
 
I agree heartily neal70. I just bought another queen this weekend at a gun show.

For me, Queen is "notorious" for knives that cut, are "individual" and idiosyncratic...plus desirable! All of my knives made by queen are users and real purty..."don't buy no ugly knife." As Ron White says "you can't fix stupid" and with a knife, like a woman, you can't change what it is, but you can sharpen it, clean it, oil it and take off a few harsh edges, low and behold, you've got a pal for life :) There's no such thing as a perfect human, why should there be a perfect handmade knife?
 
JasonWilliam said:
Hi guys, I ordered a spear sawcut EB from KSF and had it sent directly to Rob Bixby for sharpening (TheApostleP on Youtube). He had a blue clip in for sharpening and did a video of both at the same time. I dont have it in hand yet but based on this, it looks like I might have lucked out. Thought you might enjoy a closeup look; I know I sure did:

[youtube]lXzYsrsdZoA[/youtube]
Click to expand...

Wow, talk about damning with faint praise.
 
I sat through the whole video. It sure could have been done in five minutes. I have two Queen #69 Barlows, a 69 Clip, and an Everyday Sheepsfoot. The fit and finish is plenty adequate for everyday use, If you're looking for a showpiece, they may not be your cup of tea. My 69 clip has a bit of side play, but I never notice it in use. Which ever one I have in my pocket, I miss carrying the other. I have Schrade and case knives with a little better fit and finish, but they are nowhere near the knife these are. I hope Queen does well, we need a variety of types of traditional knives available.
 
I'm not sure how much supporting a company with a track record of producing knives with questionable F&F and QC is healthy for the traditional knife market? Seems to be counter productive and detrimental to the high standards of manufacture that the label 'US made' should carry in an ever increasingly competitive global market. The Chinese are already making excellent modern folders with superior steel at good prices. Can 'adequate' survive a worst case scenario of as shoddily made (I own two Queen knives and do not believe the adjective exaggerated) knives with steel as good and about half the price?
 
Everything you said is subjective until you spoke of your Queen knives. My EDBs are not at all "shoddily" made. These are hand made knives with organic handle materials, there's going to be small nuances.

I'd take any task with my EDBs and never have a doubt they'd finish.
 
To those who were disappointed, that stinks; but KSF will take care of their customers. I'm new to these knives, but I'm not to CS and KSF is top notch.
 
HST said:
Everything you said is subjective until you spoke of your Queen knives. My EDBs are not at all "shoddily" made. These are hand made knives with organic handle materials, there's going to be small nuances.

I'd take any task with my EDBs and never have a doubt they'd finish.
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I'd say given the amount of reports online, here on the forum, in this very thread and my own personal experience with 3 Queen knives (one was returned it was so bad) plus the very honest report from KSF (who won my life long support as a result) on two Schatt and Morgan's which I asked them to choose from for me, it's far from 'subjective' that there are problems at Queen. Problems with their fitting and grinding rather than the handles as you suggest. That you have had a different experience with your own knife does not mean that this is not true. My question is whether tolerating such practice in the industry is beneficial for the industry as a whole?
 
HST said:
Everything you said is subjective until you spoke of your Queen knives. My EDBs are not at all "shoddily" made. These are hand made knives with organic handle materials, there's going to be small nuances.

I'd take any task with my EDBs and never have a doubt they'd finish.
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I get the whole "hand made" argument but I do not agree that all hand made items should have problems. Sure, they will always have differences and variations, but problems? However, some of Queens issues are more than little abnormalities. At the price point I would expect the basic things to be spot on(grinds, finish work, fit, etc.). I in no way think any product from any maker will be perfect as we all look for different criteria. I really like USA made items and want to support Queen but I wont except certain "issues" when purchasing a costly knife. This is what has held me off on purchasing an EDB. I keep coming back to this thread hoping something will push me over the edge but even Rob's video has left me a little less willing to shell out the cash for one. On a side note, KSF and D man are awesome! Customer service at it's finest.
 
I should have said 'organic handle materials and hand ground...' but the song remains the same. As a consumer you don't have to tolerate anything you don't want to. Simply don't patronize that establishment, manufacturer, or etc. The simple answer to your question, which is redundant to me is, hit the back arrow or exclude Queen made knives. Would I buy anything Queen besides Northwoods? Nope. Moreover, it would be a hard sell for me, since I have 4 of these and like them. Time to focus my purchasing on other Northwoods models.

Pomsbz said:
I'd say given the amount of reports online, here on the forum, in this very thread and my own personal experience with 3 Queen knives (one was returned it was so bad) plus the very honest report from KSF (who won my life long support as a result) on two Schatt and Morgan's which I asked them to choose from for me, it's far from 'subjective' that there are problems at Queen. Problems with their fitting and grinding rather than the handles as you suggest. That you have had a different experience with your own knife does not mean that this is not true. My question is whether tolerating such practice in the industry is beneficial for the industry as a whole?
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I'm still dreaming of a Northwoods Canoe in Stainless. :) Can you imagine one like that in Mammoth? :)
 
Derrick has some new ideas in the works, if I inferred what he said correctly. You might be in luck.
 
This has been an interesting thread to read. It really shows the perspective people hold on traditional cutlery, what some want, and what others do not, all while revealing a standard and price point of that acceptable standard. Of course an acceptable price is a different topic and one that is based on available income. I am for one am done buying knives and will more than likely never own one, but it is threads like this that give meat to the forum imo and I am thankful you all have shared your opinions and pics. :thumbup:
 
Folks, several posts were moved offline out of this thread because we're forgetting or not adhering to posted rules of this forum. From the rules

Please do not post links or refer to active listings in the "Exchange" area of the forums within our threads. (However, feel free to send a link via email or PM to someone you know may be seeking an item which is listed there.) Additionally, do not use the Traditional Forum to hype or promote interest in a knife which you intend to list for sale in the "Exchange". All the posting rules can be found in sticky at the top of the forum

Visitor or Private Messages work great. :)
 
KBA, this is quite a radical statement: "I am for one am done buying knives and will more than likely never own one,"
I cannot see myself as ever coming even close to this statement.
Are to willing to briefly state how this change of heart came about ?
kj
 
kootenay joe said:
KBA, this is quite a radical statement: "I am for one am done buying knives and will more than likely never own one,"
I cannot see myself as ever coming even close to this statement.
Are to willing to briefly state how this change of heart came about ?
kj
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Look at the bottom in his signature.
 
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