Northwoods Madison Barlow

The bone ones were around for a few days. The wood ones stayed around for awhile. I dont think the Madison is a popular as the other Northwoods branded jacks.
 
I'll have to bounce in here every day till they release. I don't have a Northwoods yet and I want to make the Madison Barlow my first.
 
Does anyone else see the Madison Barlow as a cross between the medium Barlow and a Sodbuster? I can't help but see that.
 
I have a couple from pervious runs. They are good size, longer than a GEC #71 Bull Nose, but thinner. I carry mine on a belt sheath ( a little too big for front pocket carry for me) I have large hands and I like big knives! One of my favorites!
 
Tdhurl1103 said:
Does anyone else see the Madison Barlow as a cross between the medium Barlow and a Sodbuster? I can't help but see that.
Click to expand...

That's what stops me from wanting one for practical use. It's almost .75" longer than a 71 bullnose which is the perfect size in my opinion. The scout 73 already takes up the space as a 'fancy sodbuster' with the drop point blade. Would make a nice small caper in the field though I imagine.
 
The single blade Madison carries pretty easily in a pocket. I guess when it comes to folders over 4" closed, you either like them or you don't from a practical perspective. None of my smaller GEC's ever get carried.

I don't buy a large number of traditional knives every year like many here. The last acquisitions have all been 4.25" closed and there is a pretty limited selection of GEC knives in this size. Mine include: S&M Large Gunstock, Northwoods 2-blade Madison, two blade #42 (Missouri Trapper), and lastly the AG Russell large Sowbelly Trapper. The 2015 forum knife is the smallest one this year at about 4" closed.
 
Last edited:
22-rimfire said:
The single blade Madison carries pretty easily in a pocket. I guess when it comes to folders over 4" closed, you either like them or you don't from a practical perspective. None of my smaller GEC's ever get carried.

I don't buy a large number of traditional knives every year like many here. The last acquisitions have all been 4.25" closed and there is a pretty limited selection of GEC knives in this size. Mine include: S&M Large Gunstock, Northwoods 2-blade Madison, two blade #42 (Missouri Trapper), and lastly the AG Russell large Sowbelly Trapper. The 2015 forum knife is the smallest one this year at about 4" closed.
Click to expand...

How do you find the 2 blade Madison for pocket carry? I've been eyeing them up but have reservations re: thickness. Also is the closed blade very noticeable in the hand?

Definitely interested in the next run of single blade as well. They look like the frame will really fit the hand. Just can't decide on handles.

O
 
I think, for me, just from pics, the only thing the Madison has going for it is the large bolster. Other than that, it seems it's just a bone handled Sodbuster.

I don't mean that like, "just a regular boring Sodbuster." More like, it's not really a Barlow to me.
 
Last edited:
I first got a #23 for pocket carry and it was just a tad too heavy and big for me. The #36 Sunfish preceeded that one. The #23 is most comfortable in some kind of belt sheath/pouch. It is a very good woods slippie. Some say this about it's little brother, the #42.

The #42 (two blade) carries okay in a pocket sleeve. I would call it border line too heavy for regular pocket carry unless you have a use for it beyond opening letters. Inside the sleeve, it doesn't move around inside the pocket much and I often carry it in a back pocket because I usually have the large 111mm SAK on me too and it takes up one pocket with other stuff. I got a small/medium sized SAK (Bantam which is a one layer) just for the purpose of carrying with the #42. I wanted to have the convenience of having the full sized tweezers and toothpick and a modest sized cutting blade. I just can't get into the habit of of carrying the smaller Bantam. Honestly, it is mostly personal preference as I could probably get along just fine with the Bantam alone for most everyday kinds of things. When I only have one knife on me, it is usually a two layer 111 mm SAK. It is lighter than the two blade #42.

The two blade Madison carries like the two blade #42, but has more rounded edges which I like. The one blade version of the Madison carries surprisingly comfortably considering the size. I have it in jigged bone purchased to use and not just fondle. But again, it is mostly personal preference and certainly the smaller traditionals are carried and preferred by more people. I want a knife I can grip with my full hand. If GEC comes out with another run of two blade 42's, I'll probably pick one up. But I don't pay that much attention and often miss limited production new knives before they are sold out. The next one will likely be a #42 in stag and generally the most expensive short of mammoth ivory or elephant ivory.

How do you find the 2 blade Madison for pocket carry? I've been eyeing them up but have reservations re: thickness. Also is the closed blade very noticeable in the hand?
Click to expand...

Added: (Missed this question.) The closed second blade in the #42 is more comfortable in the hand when using the other blade than the two-blade Madison. But it is still okay for me and it depends on which blade you choose to open on the Madison. Touched on my feelings about carry above.

This is where I am now. Who knows? I may shift to a smaller slippie in the future.
 
Last edited:
Thank you 22-rimfire, that's very helpful. I EDC a #54, which many feel is on the large side and getting bulky for pocket carry. For me it is very comfortable in a watch pocket and is great in the hand.

Hope to get a single blade Madison on this run, but like you haven't been attentive to new releases in the past. Looking for a solid user vs collector piece.

O
 
Then be aware that the open ended sleeves are what KSF is producing for Northwoods and if you get two GECs (they are slightly different cosmetically and in size).

I am aware that KSF provides a leather sleeve currently with Northwoods knives. But I prefer the open ended ones and would buy one of those if the knife does not come with one. The one blade Madisons came with a leather pouch/sleeve with a little tab.
Click to expand...
 
Ocellatus said:
Thank you 22-rimfire, that's very helpful. I EDC a #54, which many feel is on the large side and getting bulky for pocket carry. For me it is very comfortable in a watch pocket and is great in the hand.

Hope to get a single blade Madison on this run, but like you haven't been attentive to new releases in the past. Looking for a solid user vs collector piece.
Click to expand...

I almost purchased a #54 at Blade. I handled, fondled, and really liked that knife. Just decided not to spend the money that day as other things were taking precedence. I sometimes get confused with the GEC numbering and off the top of my head, the #54 is about 4" closed...

HST: No problem. We're beating a dead horse. What comes with the Northwoods knife comes with the knife. I didn't care much for the tabbed leather pouch for the one-blade Madison (original release) other than for storage. But of course you could always slice off the flap.
 
Ocellatus said:
How do you find the 2 blade Madison for pocket carry? I've been eyeing them up but have reservations re: thickness. Also is the closed blade very noticeable in the hand?

Definitely interested in the next run of single blade as well. They look like the frame will really fit the hand. Just can't decide on handles.

O
Click to expand...

The closed blade doesn't bother me at all, but the thickness does feel a little brick like in the pocket. The single blade is the way to go.
 
It's my first GEC so I'm rather biased, but the 54 is a great size at 4 1/4 closed. The way it fits my hands leads me to believe the Madison will be a good choice as well.

O
 
I think you'll be very happy with the one-blade Madison. I suspect the "pocket-brick" thing is why the two-blade Madison as well as the two blade GEC #42 seemed to sell more slowly. (Not for everyone.) I'm comfortable with the pocket brick personally. I may just have to get one of the #54's as it is my preferred size. It is slim like the 2015 forum knife.
 
I just noticed the (2-blade Madisons) available again. It goes to show you how well I keep up.

Added: Honestly looking at a the Northwoods Presidential or a #55 right now. Hard to decide.
 
Last edited:
okbohn said:
The closed blade doesn't bother me at all, but the thickness does feel a little brick like in the pocket. The single blade is the way to go.
Click to expand...

Thanks Derrick. I'll definitely be picking up a single blade as my first barlow pattern and go from there. 😄

O
 
Derrick, what scale materials are being used in this run? I look at the GEC site and it looks like 2 woods, sawcut bone, Camel bone and am i seeing Natural Micarta?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top