Opinion on Russell Barlows and Jacks as users

[Irish Sentry]

Just wanted to see what people think of the Russell line of knives as well as Moore Makers for beautiful but usable "carrying" knives.

I want to get into a line that I can collect but use them...I have never been able to get "into" Case and I had a bunch of German Pit Bull knives that were good but I always felt odd carrying them...like they were "too good". As a result I sold most of them and would sell or trade what I have left for "users".

But this is not a for sale thread, I am honestly asking the opinion of those of you that carry and use a pocket knife (I prefer carbon steel) about the two brands above.

As always, many thanks:thumbup:

 

[longbeachguy]

I've had good luck with new Russell Barlows, which are made by Boker in Solingen Germany by the way. However, I ordered a Russell stockman (also Boker) that was horrible. Very flimsy main spring. I've purchased three Barlows and all were excellent quality.

Moore Maker... I'd say you can't go wrong as they are very nice and have consistent high quality. I have many in a variety of handle materials and have never had a dissappointment. In case you are not aware, the ones with delrin and water buffalo handles are (or were) made by Camillus. The ones with bone, stag, or ram's horn are made by Queen. The Queen's tend to be more collectible, but the Camillus are very nice. In many ways I actually prefer the Camillus versions, especially as users. I have a Moore Maker yellow delrin 3 7/8" punchblade stockman in my pocket right now -- it's hands down one of my favorite knives.

Hope this helps.

Jim

 

[Pete1977]

I picked up a couple of russell green sawcut bone barlows on ebay. both have spearpoint blades of solingen carbon steel. the fit and finish on both of them are superb. I paid about thirty dollars each. the springs are strong, these knives walk and talk. both blades have a half stop with a squared tang and open and close with a snap. the pen blade on one of them is tight but should loosen up with use. if I hadn't just picked up a schrade 96OT I'd have one of these barlows in my pocket tonight. (I went a little ebay crazy the other day. got some good deals on the russells, a bone handled boker barlow, and an imperial barlow. also got an old beat up cutmaster cigar jack to refurbish. all for under a hundred bucks. )

I'm going to have to rotate these babies on a daily basis to use them all and try them out. I don't think you'll have a problem with a russell barlow as a user. it just screams that it's a pretty sturdy knife and begs to be a user. get one and enjoy it.

pete