Ordered a few barlows (more to come...)

[Galeocerdoshark]

Dear traditionalists,

As I've seen in multiple topics here in the last couple of weeks, I am not the only one in a search for inexpensive barlow knives.
Why inexpensive? Well, as was caught by other forum members, an inexpensive barlow really catches the spirit of the knife design. I feel the same way as well.
There's mostly two routes to go then... inexpensive brands, used knives and well... both

A few weeks ago, I got this RR Gunstock Barlow in the mail (bottom knife)...


I really needed more than just one. I can imagine most of you guys can relate to that addiction.
So last week, I ordered two more RR barlows (which are still to be delivered) and I won two auctions on Camillus 51 Barlow knives.

Now those last two have arrived already. Both users, one has seen a bit more than the other, but there's definitely a lot of life left in 'em. Great project knives, imo. They'll need new edges, cleaning, more use and so forth.

Without further ado, here's the pics.
The top one is in the best shape. Both have adequate snaps, half stops and walk&talk. Not the best, but OK for sure.




Here's the stamps. I've seen the Camillus stamp thread, but I still think it's quite difficult. Some help on age would be welcome.
Top barlow:


Bottom barlow:


The stamps on the bolsters are different as well. On the top one, it looks stamped, on the bottom one it's more like an engraving, if that makes sense.
Also notice the sweet belly on the top blade, whereas in the lower it has been mostly sharpened out (I suppose).


There's a different colouration in the scales as well.


And finally, a little gap in between the liners in the bottom knife. No big deal for a user.



More to come when the RR's arrive. Enjoy!

 

[Stich2442]

Nice little collection, I used to have a Camillus 51 great knife solid little tank, yours looks like a 1960-76

Pete

 

[TX_planes]

The Barlows in the last photos remind me of one I had when I was a kid. I really wish I could find my knife.

Nice set of knives. Thanks for posting.

 

[Eric H]

I love Camillus barlows! You have a couple of nice ones there--I like the color of the darker one. Is it delrin or bone?

 

[Eric H]

(Double post)

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

Nice little collection, I used to have a Camillus 51 great knife solid little tank, yours looks like a 1960-76

Pete

Solid definitely describes these little fellas. Good stuff! Both do have different tang stamps, by the way.

The Barlows in the last photos remind me of one I had when I was a kid. I really wish I could find my knife.

Nice set of knives. Thanks for posting.

Glad I could bring back some memories. Thanks!

I love Camillus barlows! You have a couple of nice ones there--I like the color of the darker one. Is it delrin or bone?

Thank you. Nice collection as well! I'd love to stumble upon a spear bladed one to try that out one time.
The darker one is really nice. I suppose it's delrin though, although I might have to check that more thoroughly.

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

So after a good sharpening (and thinning the blade on the most used one out a bit), now they at least cut stuff again. This carbon does get damn sharp

 

[Stich2442]

Solid definitely describes these little fellas. Good stuff! Both do have different tang stamps, by the way.

They are the same stamp just one faded more they are both the Camillus " block" lettering with long line under Camillus, New York underneath it etc. the 1989-2004 used a different font with a line over and under Camillus, the 1970's font Camillus is slanted, two different fonts in the mid 40's - mid 50's one with no line under Camillus and one with a short line that is under the letters M I L L in Camillus, and the ones from the early 40's font is different no line and read Camillus Cutlery Co. Camillus Ny USA
And also Sword Brand with swords crossed. I'm fairly confident and certain that yours are both 1960-76


Pete

 

[davek14]

I love these pics of old Barlows.

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

They are the same stamp just one faded more they are both the Camillus " block" lettering with long line under Camillus, New York underneath it etc. the 1989-2004 used a different font with a line over and under Camillus, the 1970's font Camillus is slanted, two different fonts in the mid 40's - mid 50's one with no line under Camillus and one with a short line that is under the letters M I L L in Camillus, and the ones from the early 40's font is different no line and read Camillus Cutlery Co. Camillus Ny USA
And also Sword Brand with swords crossed. I'm fairly confident and certain that yours are both 1960-76


Pete

Thanks Pete. One does say USA, the other doesn't. Also, the "barlow" imprints on the bolster are different, as I've said before. They could be from a similar period though. As you said, a lot can happen in 15-20 years in production.

Thank you too, davek.

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

And here's the "more to come"-part...

Two RR's just arrived. Can't say I'm not pleased



That fingerprint


Group shots...



I like the aesthetics of the Camillus knives a bit more. I'm in love with the long pull and the false swedge on the clip. That's just lovely. On the other hand, the handle materials on the RR's are -for that pricepoint- from another plant. Great stuff. I'm sure I'll enjoy these guys a lot .

Still need some Imperial, maybe Case, and probably a Charlow... It's gonna be a fun journey, for sure.

 

[bleh]

I'm following the same path right now. I got into Barlows recently when I was offered a hand me down from an Uncle that used to be my Grandmother's. I haven't received it yet, but I fell in love with the pattern pretty quickly. Just bought my first one off the sales forum last night!

tapatalk_1412301740817 by mrbleh, on Flickr

 

[Bartleby]

It would be nice if RR would put out some barlows with solid stainless bolsters. Don't even need to stamp them with decoration, I just like steel bolsters on the barlow pattern as a work knife.